Pavilion Café Victoria Park

Victoria Park’s Pavilion Café had to do without its lakeside views during park renovations ahead of the 2012 Olympics, but that didn’t seem to trouble its many regulars. They love the café as much for its food (breakfasts, mainly) as for the setting. The clientele of dog walkers, joggers, middle-class mums & toddlers doesn’t make for the most relaxed environment, but if you can hack the chaos, you’ll be amply rewarded by the full brekkies, eggs Benedict & Florentine, terrific sarnies (the ’nduja & pecorino toastie is a hot fave) & baking so good it puts the WI to shame. The baristas here – & the (Square Mile) coffee – are excellent, so you can be assured of a good cup of Joe too. Both in quality & (caveat emptor) price, the Pavilion is leagues above most park cafés.