Coffee and low-key vinyl vibes in East London’s favourite hangout

There’s a particular kind of magic to a lazy London morning when you find just the right coffee shop. It’s good then that I’m in Cafe 1001 on Brick Lane, which does fantastic coffee and more.

Cafe 1001 on Brick Lane is tucked inside the old Truman Brewery building. It’s bigger than you expect, warmer than it looks from the outside, has a great buzz. Jazz plays from the speakers and I settle in for coffee and pastries.

Quick info on Cafe 1001, Brick Lane

• Restaurant: Cafe 1001
• Location: Brick Lane, inside Truman Brewery
• Known for: coffee, brunch, music, late night cocktails
• Seating: sofas, counters, indoor/outdoor spread across two floors
• Laptop friendly: yes
• Music: easy house, jazz, vinyl sets in the evening
• Must order: Sticky toffee twist + cappuccino
• Bonus tip: chess night on Tuesdays, often seats free upstairs

Find out more in our Cafe 1001 review below.

Sofas, laptops and jazz

At Cafe 1001 there’s a comfy sprawl of seating with big leather sofas, communal benches, and high stools around cafe tables. If you’re fast, grab one of the slouchy couches upstairs and settle in for a long one.

The space feels like it’s been designed for drifting. Some people are catching up with friends, others on laptops, and here I am working through a pastry.

Music hums softly from the speakers, a little jazz, a little lo-fi house. Not too loud, but loud enough to remind you this isn’t just a coffee shop. This is a place with after hours plans.

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The coffee is smooth, the pastries are excellent

I order a cappuccino, and it’s great, all velvety and balanced with deep flavour. No bitterness at all.

It’s easy to get lost in your own thoughts at Cafe 1001, lulled by the music and general loveliness of the place.

But the real magic? That sticky toffee twist

The sticky toffe twist is the best pastry, by far, at Cafe 1001 on Brick Lane.

It’s a beautiful swirl of pastry that leans into the nostalgic warmth of British pudding but makes it modern. Sticky, golden, with just the right amount of sweetness.

The outside is crisp and flaky, the inside soft and buttery. It’s excellent.

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What else is on the menu at Cafe 1001 Brick Lane?

Cafe 1001 Brick Lane also has a short brunch menu. It’s fairly simple – think poached eggs on toast, toasted banana bread and overnight oats. There’s also something called a ‘slab’, which turns out to be a loaded focaccia sandwich, cut into hefty doorstop wedges. Lunch is sorted.

The Cafe 1001 menu is unfussy, which works in this setting. You’re not here to have a five course breakfast. You’re here to hang out, drink good coffee, maybe read a book or work on your laptop for a bit.

And when you’re done eating, you don’t feel like you need to leave. The staff don’t hover, the vibe is chill. It’s very ‘come as you are and stay as long as you like.’

When day turns to disco

Cafe 1001 isn’t just about mornings. Come back in the evening and you’ll find DJs spinning vinyl, cocktails being shaken, and the crowd tilting from coffees to stronger drinks.

There’s even a Tuesday night chess club. It’s a vibe.

Not everyone knows about Cafe 1001, and it’s a brilliant little secret for those who like their nightlife mellow and their music excellent.

Final thoughts on Cafe 1001, Brick Lane

Cafe 1001 on Brick Lane is the kind of place that adapts to your energy. Want to work with a coffee and some pastry? Done. Meeting a friend for a low-key lunch? Perfect. Want to come back later for some great music? Even better.

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Cafe 1001 Brick Lane review
Address – 91 Brick Ln, London E1 6QL
Nearest Tube – Liverpool Street