"There’s a little note on the menu at 215 Hackney that says this baklawa french toast is “ideal to share”. We’re here to tell you it’s also ideal to hoard. The brioche loaf is fluffy, but the thick slice holds up to the generous squiggles of airy pistachio cream. Shards of crisp filo bring some welcome crunch, and the saffron and orange drizzle is a mic drop of a finishing touch. Whether you plan on going halfsies or not, linger a while at this Middle Eastern spot in Stoke Newington. It feels like being in a homely, community-led library, with great catering and no noise restrictions." - rianne shlebak, sinead cranna