Back to Ours

Back to Ours is exactly the kind of café you stumble upon when you’re meant to be exploring Leytonstone’s quieter corners. Located inside the Good Shepherd Studios, it’s not immediately obvious from the street, but that’s part of its charm. Once you’re inside, you’re greeted by a warm, unpretentious space filled with natural light, local art on the walls, and the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee. The team clearly takes pride in what they serve—specialty coffee from Assembly, a respected London roaster, is paired with house-made pastries and sourdough from Snapery East, delivered fresh daily.

The food menu is thoughtfully curated, with a rotating selection of vegetarian brunch dishes that highlight seasonal produce. I’ve had the feta and spinach pastry pie, which was rich and satisfying, and the yogurt and root vegetable salad was a refreshing counterpoint on a warmer day. Their cakes, baked in-house, are a real treat—especially on weekends when you might find carrot & caramel or red velvet. It’s the kind of place where you can bring your kids (they’ve got babychinos, naturally), settle in with a book, or even work on your novel while waiting for your coffee to brew.

What really sets Back to Ours apart is the sense of community. It’s not just a café; it’s a gathering spot where locals chat, artists display their work, and the staff genuinely care about making you feel welcome. It’s not flashy, but it’s authentic—and that’s exactly what makes it special.