Half way between Hackney Downs station and Ridley Road market on Dalston Lane, there lies an unremarkable row of shops, many of which rest unoccupied. No doubt once the shopping centre for the immediate community, these sites have long since been lain to rest by the emergence of large supermarkets at Dalston Junction and Hackney Central. Such broadways are invariably converted to residential accommodation, especially in high-demand areas with a young rental market. DLC, however, has emerged within the row to herald a renaissance for the commercial viability of neighbouring properties, which may now provide opportunities for entrepreneurs to reincarnate them to suit the developing clientele of the area. Indeed, the owners of the new Healthy Stuff next door are indebted to the lead taken by DLC.
For DLC to have succeeded it needed two things: an understanding of what their market wanted and the ability to deliver it. Thankfully they have an abundance of both.
The café décor is suitably retro kitsch: not too smart yet comfortable and clean. The atmosphere this creates matches the fare on offer. The menu is typical of a greasy spoon, yet the ingredients are of a higher quality than you will find elsewhere. The sausages contain nearer 100% than 50% meat, the bacon is largely water free, the black pudding subtly flavoured and the condiments are branded rather than overbearingly sugary, cheap alternatives. For a little extra you can upgrade to granary bread, and real butter portions are supplied to butter your toast with. The breakfast is all in all just about perfect, and at £6.90 for the works is surely worth what extra it costs compared to the inferior alternative venues.
If all day breakfasts aren’t what you’re looking for, there’s always muesli for a healthy option, and French toast for something a bit different. There are a range of warm sandwiches on the menu, supplemented by daily specials such as steak and rocket or bacon and brie. While the coffee is below par, builder’s tea is a reasonably priced extra, as are a range of speciality teas. Tap water is self-served from jugs on a side table, meaning you don’t have to wait when you arrive and realize how thirsty your hangover has made you.
Service has improved as the establishment has grown into its popularity, with the only downside being that swaps to set breakfasts are charged as extra. As more people learn of the quality on offer, you will find it difficult to get a table at the weekend, but, more often than not, it’s still worth the wait.
Pros: Reasonably priced, quality ingredients, friendly atmosphere, WiFi.
Cons: Changes to set menus charged as extra, weak coffee.
170c Dalston Lane, Hackney, E8 1NG
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