London, Stratford: Signorelli café

September 20, 2016

I have, and will, talk time and time again about magical cafés. I find them incredibly soothing, perfect for reflection, focus or just a good chat with a friend. East London has been my main stomping ground while living in the UK, and it is perfect for cafés of these kind; some may call it hipster but dammit they’re pretty!

This leads me to new Italian café I found in Stratford, London. The café is independently owned by a couple (the husband Alberto does the baking) and I casually got talking to the wife, Rebecca (see her recommendations below). Aside from great tea, views, staff, and cake it also has a baking school!

Recommendations from the owner, Rebecca

What would you recommend if someone is stuck on what to have off the menu?

“I would choose the egg focaccia with a side of avocado. It’s made with our own bread and we spend a lot of time finding the right avocados! In terms of drink I would have some freshly squeezed grapefruit and orange juice. And I might add a section of the tartlets too.”

Rebecca explained to me how they like to mix things up and see what works; they make everything on site, from scratch and it is all preservative free and unprocessed. “I’ve even managed to convince some of my friends that don’t eat bread that they can, and the that they’re not allergic to gluten, just to crap and processed foods!”

Another charming story Rebecca told me, was one about the boy who makes the bread. He was 22 when he began work at the café and he didn’t know how to make a sandwich, let alone bake; but his father was a baker and he was determined to learn! That was last year, fast forward to now and today he’s been experimenting with sweet focaccias. Moments before our chat he had popped his head out of the kitchen to ask Rebecca if any had been sold, she updated him and recommended he try it with chocolate chip tomorrow. Yum.

Location

One of the best things about this place is its location. Even for the Londoner, you may find yourself here while you’re shopping in the monster that is Westfield shopping centre. And for travellers, you may be here visiting the Olympic park (Queen Elizabeth Park), visiting Westfield too or even getting off of the Eurostar.