As summer gets us firmly in its grip, the urge to lounge in local outside spots comes on strong! We paid a visit to Stoke Newington’s The Lacy Nook to check out the menu and their charming relaxed space…

Set up by old friends (Stoke Newington residents – by way of Macedonia! – Jana and Elena; after a successful Kickstarter campaign) The Lacy Nook offers modern food with a twist; seasonal British ingredients with Balkan, Middle Eastern and Asian flavours, over two floors. The café and bar space on the ground floor is usually roomy for a Stokey eatery and is decked out with charming details – old black and white prints, hanging plants and lace doilies – but the real revelation though is the secret Beer Garden out back, which can seat up to 40. 

We visited for lunch on a wonderfully sunny mid-week day and headed straight outside and immediately felt transported away from the hustle and bustle – holiday vibes strong! From the lunch menu I had smashed avocado & salsa on sourdough – almost too pretty to eat with that lovely pink garnish! – and Myles went for the sizzling delicious Beef Cevapi (Balkan mini grilled beef patties).

We pretty much wolfed it all down with fresh orange juice (perfect brunching food!) before heading inside for coffee and bitter chocolate mousse from the dinner menu where we had a lovely chat with Jana and Elena, who told us they are also available to book for private parties – which seems like a brilliant idea, given the outdoor space! I am seriously considering having my birthday here… 😉 

thelacynook.com, 8 Cazenove Road, Stoke Newington, London, N16 6BD

Thankyou to The Lacy Nook for having us as guests for review!

All photography by myself on Olympus Pen F with 25mm f1.2 lens