Appetite

Pret A Manger, but with East London economics and added Hackney spice.
On walking in to Appetite, you’d be forgiven for simply wondering when Pret changed their colour scheme. But look closer. The prices are reasonable. And there’s not a pretentious Wild Crayfish & Rocket Wholemeal Baguette to be seen. No, this is a different beast.
First visit, I tried the coronation chicken baguette (£2.50). It wasn’t the usual bland, mayonnaise-​heavy sandwich shop experience, but actually tasted of curry and even had a bit of a kick to it. Imagine that!
Second trip, I plumped for the Thai Chicken sandwich (£2.95). Man, that’s a lot of food, and a healthy dose of chilli too. This certainly isn’t a sandwich I’d let near my mum.
I’ve not tried the hot food or the coffee. But the sandwiches make Appetite a welcome addition to Mare Street’s lunch-​time wasteland.

Wow, I thought, this place is cheap!
£3.50 for a packet of crisps, chicken caesar sandwich and can of diet coke. Beat that Pret!
Unfortunately my sandwich was not good, I threw away the last bit. Go easy on the dressing next time Appetite.
However, they do have an impressive array of hot food to take away that give them an edge over other sandwich shops — jackets, rice dishes, pastries — and they looked tasty enough.
May have to give this one another go.

Overpriced. Tasteless and the food is never fresh!
Get your act together guys!

Part of recent updates to the buildings around Hackney Town Hall, this is opposite the rather ugly addition to Hackney Empire, nestled under the corner of new Museum building.
In the past I’ve gone in and decided against, feeling it a little pricey. I’m not sure if the prices have actually gone down, or I’ve just got a little richer and used to Islington prices but they seemed fair on my last visit. They do a good range of fresh sandwiches (including paninis ready to be heated), salads etc. They range from £2 or so upwards. I went for a Chicken with lemon and spring onion. I was worried that the onion would be overpowering, but I’m glad to say it wasn’t. The taste was lovely and fresh, with the chicken holding it’s own.
They do have seating outside, though I don’t think the setting is exactly the most picturesque in London. Never mind, they do provide quality at reasonable value.