Trade - Tower Hamlets

Trade is the best run venue for coffee in London. Quite simply, there is nowhere as good (I have tried finding it on those rare moments when Trade is closed for business). What makes Trade unique is that it doesn't ever really change: in this case meaning that the highest standards are impeccably maintained for (apparently) eternity! When you develop a fondness for the very particular vibe, with the exceptional coffee preparation that is unbelievably consistent complemented by the outstanding food, you'll simply not want to go anywhere else. And this is just what has happened to me. And all of this is of course down to the amazing staff and the superbly talented management.

As 4 of us were walking in, the barista barked can you shut the door (no please) before the 4th person actually came in. We asked to go outside to the back (because one of us is on chemo and immunocompromised). It was completely empty but he said there was a 15 minute wait! This rude service isn 't the norm at this cafe but today was very disappointing.

We visited here after booking a breakfast table nearby to our hotel in Spitalfields area. The restaurant was bustling but tables were very very close together too close I would say. We waited 45 minutes for our food and then saw people who ordered after us receiving their food. I asked a member of staff where ours was, and then watched a series of events which made it clear the server had not put our order through at all! We were offered complimentary cakes but still waited another 15 minutes for our food, by which time some tables had ordered, eaten and left! They suggested the kitchen ‘didn’t get the ticket’ rather than being honest about the fact he had forgotten while hugging his colleagues and drinking his own coffee. The food when it came was very enjoyable and some of the other things on the menu looked lovely too. We were given our drinks on the house but still tried to charge me a service charge of 12.5% on the bill which I politely asked them to remove! Nice food but service was poor and a bit of honesty would have gone a long way!

What an absolute gem of a place. We went in with a hungry teen after a trip to nearby Van Gogh experience. Quickly seated and orders taken. Tap water and drinks delivered quickly followed by buttermilk pancakes with syrup and choc chips and bananas for the teen. Delicious poached eggs on toast for me and cheese toasties for hubby. Prices as one would expect for the area. Owner and staff attentive and fantastic and good facilities. Loved it xxx

My partner and I visited this cafe during a weekend trip to London. We were drawn in by the enticing smells emanating from the kitchen as we strolled around the city. Although we arrived near closing time, we couldn't resist taking home a couple of desserts from their display. We chose the blueberry and coconut cake and the oat and raisin cookie, both of which were delicious. The blueberry cake was our favorite, with a delectable icing in the middle. The next morning, we returned for brunch and enjoyed two dirty chai lattes, a Cuban club sandwich, and buttermilk pancakes with banana, chocolate chips, peanut butter, and maple syrup. The portions were generous and satisfying. We explored other cafes in the area but ultimately returned to Trade for more desserts to enjoy after a concert - this time trying the carrot cake and chocolate and date bar, both of which were equally delicious. The staff, including Louise, were all friendly and accommodating, especially when we asked to share our dishes. We would definitely return if we find ourselves in the area again.