Travel · Eat

Snackbar · London, UK

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Name: Snackbar
Project: Snackbar
Images: Sam Harris
Words: Steph Wade

The area of Dalston in East London, considered one of the most captivating neighborhoods to immerse oneself in, is bursting with interesting places to eat, drink, work, and socialize. ‘Snackbar’ is a welcome addition: it’s a female-led initiative founded by Dutch-born recipe book author Freddie Janssen. A cafe, urban farm, and co-working space, ‘Snackbar’ is one of London’s vibrant little enclaves.

The venue takes over three floors and an outdoor space, with the cafe element serving breakfast and lunch dishes that fuse Eastern and Western influences. The space’s interior was designed by Janssen in collaboration with her long-time friend, designer Deidra Hodgson. “With plenty of natural daylight, high ceilings, yellow Formica tables, and original wooden floors, the space aims to be a fun and casual canteen for locals and tourists alike,” explains Janssen to IGNANT. “The open kitchen overlooks the urban farm where chickens roam, and vegetables and herbs grow for the menu.” Chef Anais van Manen sources her produce and supplies from the heart of Dalston: coffee beans are walked over weekly from the nearby Allpress Espresso roastery, salad comes from east London’s community-led organization Growing Communities, and sourdough and pastries are delivered via bicycle every morning from a bakery down the road. ‘Snackbar’ truly embodies the phrase, ‘think global, act local’. “We want to encourage farming in the city and inspire Londoners to grow their own food,” explains Janssen. “We want to prove that breakfast and lunch food can be skillfully made, thrilling, and accessible, all at once.”