Mess Cafe — Restaurant in London

I have been going to Mess Cafe for about 8 years now. This morning I found a hair in my food and so I simply called over a member of staff (that definitely recognises me) and told her that I've found a hair in my food. She asked me if I would like a plate of food, no apology, nothing. I said no, I don't really feel like eating anymore. I continued to drink my coffee, thinking someone would come and apologies - but for about 5 - 7 minutes no approached me, they simply starred at me from the kitchen. After the lady who took my food back walked passed me a few times, I called her over and told I won't be paying for the food. She proceeded to "try" and tell me that I would have to pay for the coffee. I told her "I find it very rude that you couldn't apologies after I told you that I found hair in my food, you couldn't even apologies". She looked at me amused and bewildered that I had said that and proceeded to say that 'I do this all the time and I should not come back again'. I was so shocked and told her that I have never done this before and this was the first time I had ever seen hair in my food while eating here.

It's very disappointing and I'm ashamed of the behaviour portrayed. The woman wears a headscarf and very evidently seems to have a problem with black people. I would go to the cafe every Sunday after church and her service would always be rude and obnoxious. She's a racist. It's really not like me to write bad reviews at all, but that experience needs to be shared. I wish Mess Cafe the best of luck, I will not be stepping foot in...

This is the place to be!! We love it here! It's the only place left in Hackney now that offers a really warm and genuine welcome to everyone. There is no them and us vibe here. The food is good old regular cafe food with no fancy names or posh labels.

It is lovely and clean and if you come at the wrong time you'll be left standing!!

Prices are realistic and they do the best tasting chocolaty hot chocolate ever.

Don't ever change mess...you guys are so polite and friendly. One of Hackney's finest!

Update: Sept 2018

This place has recently been refurbished and is under new ownership. The refurb looks great and bright and cheery.... however...with great beauty come great responsibility.

Sadly the new owners decided to increase capacity which has resulted in an uncomfortable and overcrowded eating environment. The last breakfast we ate there ended up being our last as we were literally on top of each other!

The menu and services remain the same - good portions and very friendly and welcoming.

So if the overcrowding isn't a problem for you then this place is still worth a visit.

Update Dec 18

Hmmm...not sure if the owners read my review but some of the new tables have been removed creating more space again bringing back the pleasurable experience eating here once was!

We are back and soooo happy as it really was hard finding somewhere with the everyone welcome vibe that we were...

Lovely cosy little cafe with friendly and attentive staff. Received a warm welcome as soon as I entered. I was sat next to the door with a buggy so there was a bit of a draft coming in every time customers entered/exited. A female member of staff came over a number of times to ensure the door was closed properly so as to avoid the draft hitting the pram which was very considerate. The payment machine was also brought over to me so I didn’t have to squeeze through to the front with my buggy or leave my baby to go and pay. The door was also held open for me as I left. It’s the little things that count and the friendly service definitely elevated my experience here.

I ordered a halal breakfast and I was surprised at how quickly the food arrived. It was nice and hot and very enjoyable. Portion size was great value for money with lots of mushrooms which I loved.

All in all, good food, good customer service and good ambience so I’ll...