One of the latest additions to the specialty coffee scene in Hackney, Sadie’s is a coffee and cocktail bar quickly making a name for themselves in a city with a ravenous appetite for all things caffeine.
Heading out of Hackney Central station, all you need to do is duck under the arches (they’re quite high, you won’t actually need to duck), turn down the street, and look for the striking pink and blue signage. Inside it’s all pink tables, fairy-lights, potted plants dotting the pink and blue hued walls. There you can select from what they claim, not unfairly, to be some of the cheapest specialty coffee in Hackney Central. But don’t let the price fool you. Years of experience in hospitality from the founders means that the carefully selected menu of coffeeshop staples, super lattes (blue matcha latte, anyone?), and top-notch teas are expertly made. There’s no burnt milk here or massive foaming flat whites.
But the cocktails, what about the cocktails?
Coffee obviously isn’t the only name of the game at Sadie’s as they also serve up a variety of food and drink options. The Bloody Mary and the Bloody Maria headline the cocktail list – particularly during the weekend Bloody Mary/Maria Happy Hour – alongside the Spicy Sadie’s Margarita, the requisite Espresso Martini, and plenty more. Meanwhile, a range of tostadas from neighbouring Dalston’s late night Mexican cocktail bar and restaurant, Corrochio’s, ranging from pulled brisket to fried banana blossoms and more, round out the food options. And of course there’s always a handful of freshly baked pastry options to choose from, as well as beer and soda for those looking to bridge the gap between the coffee and the cocktails.
With such varied offerings, and with the warm welcome everyone receives immediately upon setting foot inside, it’s easy to see how you could spend all day and evening at Sadie’s. Those just grabbing a coffee to go are in luck, though, as Sadie’s can easily lay claim to the cutest takeaway cups in London.
Sadie’s initially came about due to frustration with the gender pay gap, and as such the venue focuses on serving up coffees and products sourced from female-owned, female-made, or female-forward companies, such as Girls Who Grind Coffee, Lomond Coffee, and Wild Card Brewery. They also commit to making sure there are equal wages across the company regardless of “gender, age, or anything else.” By going, you’re not only able to enjoy great food and drink, you’re also funding an important cause the owners are deeply passionate about.
At Sadie’s, it’s very much a case of you can have your cake coffee, and eat drink it too. They do serve cake, though, as well. Or cookies. Or brownies. Depends on the day. Did I mention the tostadas?