Nunnery Café

181 Bow Rd, Bow, London E3 2SJ, United Kingdom
+44 20 8980 7774
$$$ Cafe
(68 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Step into the charming world of Nunnery Café, a delightful hidden treasure nestled at 181 Bow Rd, Bow, London E3 2SJ. This quaint café, artfully attached to the eponymous gallery, perfectly blends creativity with a cozy atmosphere, making it a favored spot for both locals and visitors seeking a refreshing break.

As you enter, you are greeted by a warm ambiance filled with artistic flair, complemented by friendly staff who are eager to serve. Nunnery Café isn’t just about great coffee; it’s about creating a communal space where art and culture flourish. Proceeds from sales support the upkeep of the gallery, adding a sense of purpose to your café experience. Isn’t it rewarding to enjoy a delicious brew while contributing to the arts?

The menu offers an enticing selection, featuring delightful offerings like the new yummy veggie sausage sandwich that’s been creating quite a buzz among customers. Whether you’re indulging in a rich brownie or sipping on their renowned oat flat white, each bite and sip invites you to savor the moment. The coffee, described as “the best” by regulars, is expertly brewed, ensuring a satisfying experience for even the most discerning coffee enthusiasts.

Many visitors have found solace in the café’s peaceful environment, making it a perfect spot for catching up on work or simply unwinding with a friend. As one customer beautifully put it, “It was very quiet and peaceful,” which encapsulates the café's charm beautifully. Of course, the atmospherics are elevated by the local artwork that adorns the walls, making it a feast for the senses beyond just taste.

While prices are noted to be slightly on the higher side, customers appreciate the value for what they receive. As an enthusiastic reviewer mentioned, “The sandwiches are delicious, full of tasty goodness,” affirming that the quality of food and drinks justifies the expense. For those cozying up on a cooler day, rest assured, Nunnery Café provides a warm retreat, enhanced by the welcoming demeanor of the baristas who seek to make your visit special.

Moreover, this delightful café extends its hours into the evening on Thursdays, now offering wine, cocktails, and beer—a charming twist that significantly enriches the local dining scene. Pet owners will also be pleased to know that the café is dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy refreshments with your furry companion by your side.

With no on-site parking available, it’s a great idea to take a leisurely stroll or park nearby to truly soak in the vibrant Bow community before enjoying your cappuccino in the sun. Nunnery Café encapsulates everything wonderful about a community café: quality coffee, delicious food, and a dedication to the arts, making it a must-visit when you’re in the area.

From the business
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Outdoor seating
On-site services
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Free water refills
Prepared foods
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Bar on site
Gender-neutral toilets
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Kids' menu
Parking
On-site parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed inside
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

08:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Wednesday

08:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Thursday

08:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Friday

08:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Saturday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Sunday

09:00 AM - 02:00 PM

68 Reviews
Onni Roy

18 Aug 2025

Another hidden gem in Bow. The cafe is attached with the eponymous gallery. Proceeds from sales go to the upkeep of the gallery so I felt obliged to at least buy a coffee after visiting the gallery for free! Coffee was great but expensive. Nice, trendy space. Staff friendly. Toilet facilities. No parking. Park nearby to enjoy your cappuccino in the sun! Recommended.

Esther Didsbury

14 Aug 2025

new menu yumi veggie sausage sandwich. Such a cute cafe. Great place to catch up with work and get a good coffee. Thanks! Will be back soon xx

Rayhana Jasmin

07 Aug 2025

A nice warm cafe to escape from the cold. The art work is a nice touch. Basic decor food was ok quite pricey for what it is. I had a cheese and onion toastie and my friend had mozzarella and tomato bun. Paid an extra 20p for oat milk instead of normal milk. Brownie was nice and soft. Would’ve come more often if it wasn’t so pricey. Definitely a treat. Staff was friendly and welcoming.

Jan

04 Aug 2025

Really cute café, a hidden gem in Bow! I went there on a Thursday evening, they stsy open quite late for a café which is great. It was very quiet, peaceful. The coffee was great, I got a lovely oat flat white. I'm very picky with coffee and their coffee tastes great :) Grest service, and really lovely barista. Highly reccomend :)

julie smith

15 Jul 2025

What a gorgeous little spot!!!. The coffee is the best served by Belle who is so cheerful and friendly, the sandwiches are delicious , full of tasty goodness and everybody needs a wee custard tart. This has become my go to coffee spot :)

Amy Holt

08 Jul 2025

Cute cafe with nice staff, was out of a lot but was end of the day (closes 2pm midweek) so be sure to get there earlier to avoid disappointment.

Kate Norris

17 Jun 2025

Love this place! Staff are so friendly, coffee is great (and the brownies) and now they are open for evening drinks (wine, cocktails and beer) every Thursday, which is amazing and much needed in the area. Dog friendly - so we take our little dog down and sit outside with a nice wine Really hoping they open on a Fri/ wkend as well soon!

Linda Tai

28 May 2025

Lovely cafe tucked away off Bow Rd. Great place to go for a coffee, do a bit of work. Love the current exhibition on too.

Join the Nunnery Café Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.