In the heart of modern Hackney Wick, a new-build courtyard houses Inis, an Irish-influenced bistro that opened last year. The restaurant, owned by Lynsey Coughlan and Lindsay Lewis, with head chef Craig Johnson, serves thick chunks of Guinness cake and bowls of potato scallops with curry sauce. It offers breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, aiming to be a neighbourhood staple for locals and visitors alike.
The area has transformed since the 2012 London Olympics, moving from a desolate canal-side spot with few dining options to a gentrified hub with pilates studios and artisan shops. Inis stands out for its homemade, hyper-seasonal food, including Irish breads, oysters from the west coast of Ireland, and dishes like rare duck with hoisin or Cornish turbot with sea vegetables.
The restaurant's from-scratch ethos is rare in British casual dining, drawing repeat customers. On a first visit, the reviewer was won over by freshly made Guinness cake, served with custard. The menu also features fresh potato farls at breakfast and wobbly french toast, with a warm welcome and reliable food that rivals local spots like Cafe Cecilia.
Despite the challenges of finding it—GPS may suggest wading through the canal—Inis offers a patch of sanity in a constantly developing postcode. It is dog-friendly and popular with Hackney Wick locals, making it a must-visit for those seeking quality, homemade dining.
