Franze & Evans (E2 7DL)

101 Redchurch St, London Borough of Tower Hamlets, E2 7DL

http://www.franzeevans.com/

Located in the heart of East London action, Franze & Evans has an up-market feel and is very busy all the time. We were fortunate to get a table outside, probably because it was raining and no one else was prepared to brave the elements. Their loss.

This is a terrible picture and really doesn't do the cake justice. Oh well, I guess I'll have to go back and have more cake so I can take a better photo. 

There was a delectable selection of cakes on offer, and I chose the delicious lemon courgette cake. 

I'm a fussy eater and I will only eat courgette (or most vegetables if truth be told) when it is combined with sugar and icing, so this cake was perfect for me. 

Also, I'm pretty sure it counted towards the recommended five-a-day servings of fruit and veg.

I will definitely go back for more next time I need a veggie hit, maybe on another rainy day.  

CakeMyDayLondon Rating

The Hackney Pearl (E9 5LX)

11 Prince Edward Rd, Hackney Wick, London E9 5LX

http://www.thehackneypearl.com/

The brownies. The brownies. The brownies.

I almost finished writing this review after I wrote the above, but felt that a little more substance was needed. Plus, I reasoned that a few more paragraphs would allow me the opportunity to mention the brownies again.

I love this place, not least because it’s one of the few cafes in the area that has plenty of free car parking available on Saturdays. 

There is little pretense at the Hackney Pearl. The tables and chairs remind me of my school days in the 70s and 80s (probably because they are). It’s rustic, it’s shabby. But really, it’s so cool. I feel cooler every time I come here, just mingling with the young urban crowd.

This picture, oddly enough, is devoid of brownies. But hopefully you can use your imagination to visualise what a brownie looks like. 

The staff can sometimes be a little on the vague side (pretty things but a bit vacant), the music can be a bit hit and miss. The cakes are not so cakey but more slicey (think banana slice, carrot cake slice), but honestly, all I care about is whether or not the brownies are available. 

The brownies are divine. These are not your run-of-the-mill street market crumbly sort, but are instead made of rich and smooth melt-in-your-mouth (and in your hand) chocolate ganache. 

After munching my way through one of these babies I make sure to limit my sugar consumption for the remainder of the day. 

I’ve never been tempted to have two brownies on the trot, for fear of falling into a diabetic coma.

So do yourself a favour. Go to the Pearl. Have a brownie. You’re worth it. 

CakeMyDayLondon Rating