Cafe 1001

Café 1001 has long been the headquarters of Brick Lane’s 'in' crowd where the plethora of nationalities that London hosts, mingle and merge at the end of curry-house row. It hasn’t changed much in ten years, give or take a little touch up here and there, and with such success in one of the area’s most sort after places, why should it bother? Some might think of the Euro-hippies and trust-a-farians when they think of 1001 but for the most part style and originality stand out in a venue that has retained an organic hipness since its inception. Dray Walk has said goodbye to a lot of stores over the years but the huge glass façade of 1001 that gives way to its bar and buffet, remain. Salads, pastries and various hot dishes make up the majority of the menu and then there’s the permanent barbecue outside that serves up burgers, hot dogs and wedges for al fresco dining on the picnic tables. The décor retains the industrial chic that defined it and the spacious warehouse feel of it is supplemented by battered leather and ledges swamped with cushions. There’s also a backroom that hosts specific nights and comes with its own bar and sound system for private bookings. Sunday is the main event on Brick Lane and Café 1001 is no different- if you want the spectrum of characters that East London is famed for then you’ll find them here. Freaks and geeks descend on the all day party and it’s the norm to be wearing shades in doors, you know. It’s the hip without the negativity, just be prepared for the exorbitant prices of bottled beer