Esters: Creative Seasonal Dining in Stoke Newington

Tucked away on a residential street in Stoke Newington, Esters has established itself as one of North London's most beloved breakfast and brunch destinations. This bright, charming café focuses on innovative seasonal dishes crafted with locally-sourced ingredients from small farmers in Cambridgeshire, Sussex, Kent, and even East London.

Signature Dishes and Baked Goods

Esters' constantly evolving menu showcases their creative approach to morning and midday dining. Their French toast receives consistent praise, featuring seasonal toppings like peanut crunch, lemon ricotta, kumquat, and blood orange. Savory options might include confit pork with rhubarb ketchup or poached eggs with fried leeks, preserved lemon, and walnuts.

The café's baking program deserves special attention, with standout items including their famous miso white chocolate cookies, olive oil cake topped with cardamom crème fraîche, and various pastries made with UK-grown grains. Their dedication to quality extends to their coffee service, featuring ethically-sourced beans from Has Bean and rotating guest roasters.

Atmosphere and Experience

The interior is clean and modern with functional seating, while the back garden offers a flower-filled outdoor space perfect for warmer days. The café operates on a no-reservations policy, with weekends typically seeing the highest demand between 11am-1pm (expect a short wait during peak times).

Esters maintains a genuine neighborhood feel with thoughtful policies like a no-laptop rule during busy periods, allowing the space to function as a true community gathering spot rather than a remote work location. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their sourcing practices and support of local producers.

Whether you're seeking an exceptional breakfast experience or simply a perfect cup of coffee paired with one of London's finest baked treats, Esters delivers quality and creativity that keeps locals returning and visitors making the journey to Stoke Newington.