Mentmore Terrace, near London Fields, is a bustling, characterful Hackney street defined by its unique architectural layout. Running alongside the railway line just moments from London Fields Overground station, one side of the road features a vibrant collection of repurposed railway arches, while the other side offers a modern mix of new-build developments and industrial heritage warehouses. Within this striking urban landscape, you will find an exceptional mix of artisan bakeries, world-class street food vendors, speciality drink merchants, and independent lifestyle spots. Check out my list of twelve reasons to visit Mentmore Terrace below.
My Twelve Reasons To Visit Mentmore Terrace
Here is my list of the top ten reasons to visit, arranged in a logical, chronological morning-to-night order rather than by priority, so you can easily plan a perfect day along the street:
1. E5 Bakehouse (396 Mentmore Terrace): Start your morning here at this legendary neighbourhood institution housed in the railway arches. Drop by early for an incredible coffee, freshly baked morning pastries, or to pick up one of their famous, stone-ground heritage Hackney Wild loaves.
2. Look Left by YUGU (1D Mentmore Terrace): Next, head over to this vibrant speciality matcha bar for a mid-morning pick-me-up. They serve perfectly whisked, high-grade green tea drinks and coffee in a sleek space with an on-site customizable sticker photo booth.
3. Reformer Ritual (22a Mentmore Terrace): Get a workout in before lunch at this contemporary boutique fitness studio. Located on the warehouse side of the street, they offer dynamic, high-energy Reformer Pilates classes guided by a unique screen-led, audio-visual system to balance out a day of indulgence.
4. Pockets (367 Mentmore Terrace): For a world-class lunch, join the queue at this cult-favourite railway arch spot. Widely considered London’s ultimate falafel, their signature custom-steamed pitas are packed with freshly fried falafel, rich tahini, and tangy amba.
5. Zapata Burger (383 Mentmore Terrace): Treat yourself to a Turkish-spiced cured beef burger or go vegan if you prefer. With a foot in Istanbul and Hackney, these burgers are quite special. They also deliver to your door.
6. Bread & Truffle (376 Mentmore Terrace): An alternative, excellent lunch option if you are craving Italian street food. Operating out of another bustling arch, they specialise in incredibly crispy, freshly baked focaccia loaded with premium cured meats, cheeses, and decadent truffle-infused ingredients.
7. Kichiya (394 Mentmore Terrace): Head here for an afternoon sweet treat. This exceptional Japanese patisserie beautifully blends classical European pastry techniques with authentic Japanese flavours, offering incredible handmade ice cream like matcha, hojicha, and miso caramel.
8. BunBunBun (388 Mentmore Terrace): Continue your afternoon food tour by slipping into this brilliant railway arch. This local, family-run gem serves vibrant, traditional Vietnamese street food, including steaming bowls of authentic beef pho and fresh summer rolls.
9. Cafe Kowloon & Wonton Charlie’s (392-393 Mentmore Terrace): For a casual, comforting early dinner, this contemporary Cantonese diner and noodle shop serves up satisfying, authentic plates. It is the absolute go-to destination for exceptional, perfectly seasoned wonton noodle soups in a casual, minimalist railway arch setting.
10. Malavenda Cafè & Bistro (1E Mentmore Terrace): Head here for the perfect drinks destination. This wonderful dual-concept venue operates as a welcoming Italian espresso bar by day, before shifting into a relaxed natural wine bar with community vinyl DJ sessions at night, making it the ideal spot to settle in and explore an excellent selection of amari and low-intervention bottles.
11. Auguste (373 Mentmore Terrace): For a lively, high-end dinner and drinks experience to finish your night, head to this wildly creative restaurant that has taken over the former Papi space. Named after a classic clown figure, it brings a relaxed, fun energy to the street with an exceptional focus on authentic Abruzzo-style charcoal-grilled lamb skewers, paired with a dynamic list of fun wines.
12. Plonk Crazy Golf (Arch 407 Mentmore Terrace): a vibrant outdoor tiki-themed mini-golf course paired with its newly rebranded sister venue, No Dice Bar, which features a retro indoor clubhouse packed with arcade games and pool tables.
Helpful Information About Mentmore Terrace
This vibrant pocket of East London is incredibly easy to reach, with London Fields Overground Station dropping you right at the top of the street, while a network of local buses along nearby å keeps it well-connected to the rest of the city. Visiting on a weekend makes for the ultimate day out; the street sits directly alongside the green spaces of London Fields, meaning you are only a short stroll away from Broadway Market, which transforms every weekend into a bustling hub of world-class street food stalls, artisan bakes, and local crafts. If you are exploring on a Sunday, you can easily extend your wander further south down to the historic Columbia Road Flower Market to catch its famous, lively displays of fresh blooms and independent boutiques, making Mentmore Terrace the perfect anchor for a classic East London weekend adventure.
If you’re there during the day and need a place to work, the street is home to a thriving community of creative co-working spaces and design studios, including The Fisheries, Work.Life, ICON Printing, Two Create Studio, and Floom Creative.
If you want to explore the area, you may find this article of interest:
Ten Things To Do Near London Fields
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. To avoid disappointment, please check that the places I referenced in this article are still in business before you visit.