It’s a pretty universal truth that the best things come along where you don’t expect them, and that’s definitely the case with our latest Local Love. Nestled in amongst bakeries, banks, pound shops and pharmacies is a succulent-filled, pink-hued, velvet-boothed blogger’s paradise. You’ve guessed it – like pretty much everybody else, we’re talking about Hackney’s newest plant-based coffee-and-cake hotspot Palm Vaults.

With its attention-grabbing mother of pearl signage and mint green/pastel pink shopfront, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Palm Vaults looks a little out of place on the usually more understated Mare Street. However, it seems that locals have taken Palm Vaults to their hearts. Since its opening, business has been booming and it’s fast becoming one of Hackney’s most popular coffee spots.

A major reason for this is its impressive, largely plant-based food and drink offering. Boasting a food menu to give you hunger pangs (avocado chocolate cake or avo toast with chilli and vegan parmesan, anyone?) and a long list of milk options to satisfy even the most choosy of dairy-free divas, Palm Vaults is a welcome new addition for East London’s many veggies and vegans. On top of this, its roster of tasty, inventive coffees – our favourite is the velvet latte, satisfyingly sweet and tinted pink with beetroot juice to match the decor – makes it a must-visit for any caffeine lover.

However, the thing which has really attracted the masses to Palm Vaults is its zeitgeist capturing interior – an Instagrammer’s dream, it has popped up on feeds all over London and its online popularity shows no signs of waning. Part 80’s TV series throwback, part greenhouse (the lush plants which hang from the ceiling are a real highlight) and part luxury hangout with all rose-gold and marble everything, it’s an aesthetic goldmine. And for those who like their cafés to double as workspaces, it makes an inspiring change from the usual minimalist coffee shops on offer all over East London.

Speaking of East London, the masterminds behind Palm Vaults also seem to understand the value of working with other local independent businesses. They’re stockists of two of our favourite East London-based sweet treat makers, Victoria Yum and The Hardihood, giving you all the more reason to support their venture. And whilst it’s true that their showstopper Hackney café is the star of the show, you can also catch them ruling the coffee game in another of their collaborations, at independent clothing brand Illustrated People’s current pop-up at the Old Truman Brewery.

So if your day is feeling slightly grey, venture to Palm Vaults for the pop of pink you need to cheer you on. We’ll see you there!

Palm Vaults, 411 Mare Street, E8 1HY

Words: Lauren O’Neill
Cover image: Instagram - @palmvaults via @minhdanslalune