Querky Cafe – Perfect Pancakes & Brilliant Brunch in Forest Gate
One lazy Sunday morning with absolutely no plans, I finally got around to checking out a local spot I’ve been meaning to try since I moved here – Forest Gate’s Querky Cafe. After being sent round the corner from the cafe entrance, and knocking on an unassuming door, we found ourselves in the cafe’s secret ‘garden’ – which was more like a cosy conservatory. Having had a fry-up the day before in Brighton, I wasn’t fancying another round of big breakfast, so my brunching went American-style, with a biiiig plate of pancakes!
I’d actually had the Nutella and Strawberry Pancakes (£7) before, as an Uber Eats treat on my birthday this year. Can confirm the in-restaurant version is even better. We’re talking three fluffy, delicious pancakes that melt in your mouth, topped with a generous serving of juicy, fresh strawberries and blueberries. Querky don’t scrimp on the best bit either, with plenty more than a drizzling of rich, sweet Nutella – more than enough to get plenty of chocolatey, nutty goodness with every bite.
To counteract the sweet with some savoury, I also shared a side of the Chilli Chips (£4), tossed in a hot sauce and glazed with maple syrup. The spice and syrup turned out to be the perfect combo, drenching the fries in hot sweet chilli deliciousness.
Price-wise, Querky is perhaps a little more expensive for some dishes than your average greasy spoon, but the food quality is excellent and it’s clear that they use really fresh ingredients in their dishes. Plus, you get 10% off your first order using their app, and 20% off your 5th order – we love a decent bit of loyalty, right?
If you’re not fancying pancakes and chips, here’s what else Querky Café has to order…
Breakfast Time: The Big Breakfast (£9.45) does exactly what it says on the tin – two beef sausages, two turkey bacon rashers, two fried eggs plus hash brown, avocado, mushrooms, beans, tomatoes and toast to absolutely fill up your plate. There’s also a smaller ‘No Biggie’ version (£7.95), a veggie breakfast with vegetarian sausage and halloumi (£7.45) and a vegan version with avocado, hummus and olives (£8.45). If you fancy something a little different, I have it on good authority that the Full English Wrap (£6) is also top tier, or you could give the Chicken and Waffles (£8) or Fully Loaded breakfast burger (£5) a go.
Burgers and Bites: Querky doesn’t just do breakfast, it’s also a great little lunch spot with really affordable burgers, paninis and wraps. The Querky Burger (£5, £7 with chips) is a chicken and turkey stack on a cheese toasted brioche; and the Halloumi Burger (£5) comes with hash browns and a cheese sauce. Paninis are just £3.50, and if you’re feeling in need of something lighter, there are three salad options at just £6 each.
Veggie/Vegan/Specialist Diets: Querky have pretty much an equal amount of veggie options as they do meat ones, with plenty of vegan dishes too. The Keto Breakfast (£8.45) is gluten free, and from our experience (of, um, asking for fried bread instead of toast…) the staff here are really willing to help and adjust dishes wherever possible.
Querky Cafe
180 Forest Ln, London E7 9BB
🚉: Forest Gate
