Café-cum-bar staging an eclectic schedule of events

Good coffee shops are springing up all over East London and the Railroad café is one of the newest kids on the block. The setting's not ideal – right on a busy road off the beaten track in Hackney - but it stays open past most places’ closing times, serves locally brewed ale and there is a small space downstairs where they host comedy and music nights.

Squeeze in tight to the tiny booths or bag one of the two big tables, and enjoy their good selection of food in the friendly, laid-back atmosphere. While you wait, admire their mini bookshop with shelves bursting with classics, cookery books and the latest bestsellers.