It’s undeniable that a new cafe that encourages co-working is a welcome addition on the now evolving strip just south of Leyton tube.
It’s always been a slightly underrated strip. Two stalwarts have long been essential stops — independent butcher’s Meatlove (scroll down for a fresh take on their superior sandwiches), as well as the Leyton Star pub, which celebrates its first decade tonight with a whole weekend of happenings, from cheap drinks to two-for-one Patty & Bun burgers.
But this year has seen a spate of newer arrivals, too. These include Ukrainian-owned Sushi Fun (read their story here), who have just launched their new set lunch menu, reviewed in today’s issue; Hyderabadi restaurant Charminar’s, who have another branch in East Ham (review coming soon); and of course, smash hit Middle Eastern bakery Farha. This, for the uninitiated, is the wildly popular corner spot where queues stretch daily for their latest special: last weekend it was a ‘Levant Dog’ croissant filled with spiced kofte and a riot of ketchups and relishes.
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Another smaller coffee and juice bar has also opened up nearby. On the two occasions I’ve popped into the vowel-free Plntd, both its iced americanos and friendly service have impressed, while its mainstays are juices, smoothies, bakes and focaccia sandwiches.
Milk’s association with Leyton’s famous coffee roasters Perky Blenders dates back a few years: since the original opened in N15 just before Covid, they’ve “actually created a little family together,” as owner Gee put it. “Adam and Victoria, the co-founders, have been such amazing supporters all the way through.”
So what can we expect? Coffee starts at £3 for an espresso (a flat white is £3.90), while the pastries number croissants, blondies, brownies, muffins, banana bread and pastel de nata. Lunches are yet to be announced but Leyton will be the most ambitious of their three branches yet.
“Expect a cosy environment to work on your laptop with spacious seating areas,” said Gee. “Our main thing is amazing coffee, but we believe customer service needs to always be on point. There’ll be friendly welcoming vibes every time you enter.”
So is this stretch of Leyton High Road, with its distinctive E15 postcode, finally enjoying its moment in the spotlight? And, if so, how do we now refer to it? I bet someone somewhere is already calling it Draper’s Field Village.
Milk opens this week at 118 High Road Leyton, E15 2BX. Follow @m1lk.london
This is an edited version of an article that first appeared on Substack several weeks ago. Follow the Leytonstoner Substack here.
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