Pogo Cafe

Friendly people, delicious milkshakes, very satisfying meals and a temperamental cake selection - they always keep me guessing!!

Really recommend the soup of the day - since the chefs change, there is PLENTY of variety.
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Nick
10 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Sunday, January 15, 2012

A shame to see a venue that has gone dowhill so much. The food is nowhere near the quality of how it used to be and it's clear the new group who are running things (some sort of animal rights people) know nothing about running a restaurant. I went there because my partner suggested we "give it another try". We both agreed this was the last time.
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Mike
1 Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 1
Friday, September 09, 2011

Went to Pogo Cafe with friends for an early dinner on Sunday 19th June 2011 and loved it! The roast dinner was just brilliant - the gluten-free nut roast was moist and tasty, served with rosemary roast potatoes, steamed carrots and greens and a hot boat of flavoursome gravy - these guys can cook! It took a little while to come but that was understandable as it was very busy, but we weren't in a hurry. We were made to feel so welcome and comfortable by the friendly waiter who couldn't do enough for us that we stayed for three hours! I followed my dinner later on with a heavenly coffee-chocolate shake. Yum. Well impressed. :o)
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L
10 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, June 23, 2011

I went here the other day and I just can't believe how downhill it has gone. The food is just nowhere near as good as it used to be and it now takes even longer to arrive! The service is just abysmal; the girl on the till was so rude and inattentive I nearly walked out before the food arrived. The menu is small and offers little choice, which is unforgivable considering the range of food served by other, more easily accessible vegan eateries in London. My advice: go to one of those instead.
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2 Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 2
Tuesday, June 14, 2011

In response to the comment about there only being 2 items on the menu - you must have gone there on a Sunday when Pogo does breakfast from 11am until 4pm and then dinner (nut roast, etc.) from 5pm until 9pm. During the week they have an extensive menu, which I've heard they're planning to expand even more soon!

If your favourite drink wasn't there, then it probably means that it's popular with more people than just you! With only getting a food delivery once a week, things run out sometimes and it has nothing to do with how many people are on shift! Have you ever been to Holland and Barrett the week of a bank holiday or Christmas or New Year? They get the same amount of food as usual the week before and then don't order anything that week, so have hardly anything I want by the middle of the 2nd week! At least Pogo staff work around this (and they're all volunteers!)

While I agree with the comment about food that mimics non-vegan food (sausages, rashers, etc.) some people like this kind of stuff, some people only go vegan if they think there are things available that are like the meat and dairy that they already know they like and also, again, you went on a Sunday when they do a "full english breakfast" style plate.

If you have any problems with Pogo or suggestions, send them an email - maybe you'll find they like to know what people think and that they don't spend their time looking at review pages on the internet and spend their time promoting veganism instead!!

If you want to know what's on the menu for the day, give them a ring beforehand to find out!
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Joanne
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Sunday, May 30, 2010

The locals who were running POGO have all walked out as an Animal Rights extremist group have taken over the cafe. Streetwise Hackney locals have described this move as a diabolical disaster just waiting for police attention and won't go in there any more. POGO was being run by ordinary working class local people who provided an alternative vegan cafe and eveing venue.

Recently there was a mass walk out by the Hackney locals running the place and a number of upper middle class animal rights activists have taken over. Hackney has said that it won't be long before the place becomes a "state sponsored honey trap".

It's unlikely that most ordinary people in Hackney will go in there from now on and the volunteers will now mostly be from AR groups. Most local people will be put off by this as they will be concerned as to what their money will be funding.

Hackney locals predict that POGO will be closed very soon.

I won't be going in there ever again.
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0 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Friday, March 12, 2010

As much as i like to support small,independent businesses,my visit at Pogo Cafe' was very disappointing.Firstly,there were only two items on the menu

(two breakfast,named angel and devil) and my choice of drink (cola,how exotic)

wasn't available on the day.With 4 member of staff,this should be unacceptable.

Furthermore,when the food arrived,was decidedly unpleasant.Special mention should go to the undercooked potatoes and the cold,gritty mushrooms.

Also i find the idea that vegan food should somehow mimic the non vegan offerings (rasher and sausage were some of the words written on their blackboard)rather warped.

It is perfectly possible to cook delicious vegan food without a "sausage" or a "rasher" in sight.
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5 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 6
Sunday, August 09, 2009

Pogo is one of my favourite places in Hackney and practically my second front room.

The carrot cake is magic and there is always something on the menu to make me happy.

Service, atmosphere, and portion sizes (mine are often too big!) all vary like the wind but if you can't take off your busy-bee london-hat and appreciate the wonder of this cosy cafe then you don't deserve to be in there.

Sunday brunches are ace and deserve a special mention although it has started to get a little too crowded recently for my fragile sunday morning head.

Watch out for the occasional crazy dog, mad kid, or hungover staff-member and don't be afriad to politely ask them to change the music if you are not in the mood for Nina Simone on repeat or some crazy intense beats :-)

I am a little confused about some people commenting on it being expensive - if you can find better value for money home-cooked mostly organic veggie/vegan food anywhere else nearby please do let me know!
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Rooi Bosch
9 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, February 13, 2009