Sri Lankan dishes, pastries, coffee, and brunch by the lake
"Most people who live in east London agree that Victoria Park is the best place to see grass and trees in this part of town. Get brunch in the park at Pavilion Cafe, which is where everyone seems to end up at the weekend. You’ll sit by the lake while sitting elbow-to-elbow with strangers, as well as the odd French bulldog. There’s covered seating for drizzly days but when it’s warm, it’s particularly glorious." - jake missing, daisy meager, sinead cranna, heidi lauth beasley
"Victoria Park is the best place to see grass and trees when you’re around Hackney and Pavilion Cafe is the best place to get a cup of coffee and some poached eggs by the lake. All in all, it’s pretty glorious." - rianne shlebak, sinead cranna
"Nobody likes to manifest something going wrong but when it comes to the world of app-based dating, it isn’t unwise to choose a public space with some aggressive wildlife. Just in case they’re a catfish. Or, worse, listening to The Diary Of A CEO when you meet them. Victoria Park’s idyllic pond is a lovely middle-ground meeting point for everyone and Pavilion Cafe is a spot that’s as good for a sit-down Sri Lankan-style breakfast by the water, as it is for a coffee and a stroll around the park. There are also pedalos and rowing boats close by—depending on if you’re envisioning a Bridget Jones-style anecdote or a low-level 007 escape." - rianne shlebak, jake missing
"Mentally you haven’t quite ricocheted back from being told that sitting with your mates might result in contracting a deadly virus. Fair, very fair. If you’re desperate to have a catch-up but still find yourself contemplating investing in a hazmat suit over a vacation and bikini, then rest-assured that Pavilion Café has got you covered. This beloved spot on the lake in Victoria Park does an excellent brunch and there’s always some cute dachshunds around that will act as your own personal fluffy conversation-starters. Basically, think of it as a walk but with great food and company." - heidi lauth beasley, jake missing
"Odds are that if you’re in Victoria Park on a belter of a day, then the Pavilion Café is gonna be rammed. Like, people spilling out into the pond and eating eggs benedict with the ducks rammed. That doesn’t mean it isn’t worth the wait though. The breakfasts and brunches here are very tasty and all the bread is baked freshly every day. There’s nothing revolutionary going on: eggs, pancakes, and customary avocado stuff. But it’s all spot on." - jake missing