Café Mission

Just a few steps from the buzz of Spitalfields Market, Cafe Mission sits three floors up in Europe’s largest movement studio. Blessed with stunning views over London, here it's all about health-focused plates and all-day brunching, drawing crowds of gym wear-clad patrons who are visiting post-workout. We’ve skipped the yoga class today, heading straight to the cafe which welcomes members and non-members alike.

Inside it’s peak East London minimalism: raw, unplastered walls, exposed piping and chalkboards scribbled with seasonal specials. But it’s the rooftop terrace that quietly steals the show - decked out with white-cushioned sofas, parasols, and sprawling city views - an ideal backdrop for unwinding with a glass or two of rose.

Menus are refreshingly straightforward. Everything is seasonal, fresh and unfussy, with gentle nods towards Japanese flavours. We begin with the Mission sandos, where crisply battered shrimp tempura meets thickly sliced toasted milk bread. There’s crunch, there’s tang from a yuzu mayo, and there’s a whole lot of bread - arguably too much. It’s tasty, if a little heavy-handed on the carb front.

A Japanese Caesar salad follows - a classic that’s been deftly improved with the addition of yuzu koshu for a gentle touch of heat, and a crisp, golden chicken katsu cutlet. The standout though is a fillet of chalk stream trout, served warm atop a Nicoise-inspired salad. The skin is crisped to perfection, with a sticky and sweet teriyaki glaze that sits on a hefty handful of vinaigrette-drenched leaves dotted with juicy tomatoes and edamame. It’s ideal rooftop fare, casual but with a subtle refinement.

Dessert brings a summery finish, and we devour a pistachio, olive oil and polenta cake. It’s light and nutty, cut through with a quenelle of pistachio-topped creme fraiche for a tart contrast. Drinks lean light and low intervention, from herbal lemonades to a Marine Gimlet made with non-alcoholic spirit and heaps of lime, that feels custom-made for sipping in the sun.

You’d probably never know that it was there, but once you’ve spent a sunny afternoon at Cafe Mission, this hidden gem will likely become your spot of the summer.

Located just a few steps from Spitalfields Market, Café Mission comes from the team behind Europe’s largest movement studio. Found on the site’s third floor, Café Mission is all about seasonally-changing, no-nonsense cuisine, with nods towards Japanese flavours and sensibilities.

There’s no need to practise or train at Mission either, everyone is welcome to visit the Café. You’ll find several spaces to choose from here, with options to have a cocktail in the lounge and bar, perched atop sustainably sourced and refurbed sofas, or have a full dinner in the main restaurant. On sunnier days, take to the rooftop terrace and enjoy a selection of light bites whilst taking in the sprawling city views.

Everything at Cafe Mission is made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, boasting a simple, yet refined approach to dining. Here, you can enjoy all day brunch menus, sporting the likes of shakshuka with za’atar and coriander, house granola with yoghurt and seasonal fruit compote, or eggs (done any way) on grilled sourdough or shokupan (Japanese milk bread).

For those visiting in the afternoon, you’ll also find Japanese caesar salad with yuzu croutons, teriyaki trout with nicoise salad and edamame or glazed miso aubergine with pink quinoa and a ponzu dressing. Not forgetting the ‘Mission sandos’ which see the likes of shrimp tempura with cabbage and yuzu mayo, or egg, watercress and Japanese mayo, housed between thick slices of bread.

On the drinks front, you can delve into a selection of carefully curated cocktails with everything from Palomas and Bloody Marys, with several refreshing Spritz options, or alcohol free alternatives. The wine menu features a number of natural options, with red, white, rose, orange, sparkling and even alcohol-free options available by the glass or bottle.