Black Cat in Hackney is the stuff of legend. It is a beloved community-focussed vegan eatery that has been welcoming diners for longer than I can remember.
It is one of my favourite spots in London.
And now the beloved vegan eatery is opening its doors to people looking for somewhere to host their own events, celebrations, and gatherings. Great news!
Read more below.
Situated in the heart of Hackney, the cafe has long been a welcoming home for people looking for delicious vegan food, friendly faces, and a strong sense of community. Now you can hire the space and make it the setting for your own occasion.
It’s a versatile space that would be perfect for pretty much anything you can dream up.
The cafe suggests everything from Queer robot building workshops to a vegan feast for a milestone birthday or a big family reunion. You could also be looking for somewhere to host a meeting, community gathering, party, supper club, or other celebration. If you have an idea, it is worth getting in touch to see how the space can work for you.
The cafe can accommodate up to 42 people seated or 60 people standing, making it suitable for everything from a relatively intimate gathering to a lively party. Tables and chairs can be moved around on request, while a sound system with Bluetooth connection is available for those occasions when a little music is required.
There is also a bar hire option, so your event can be accompanied by drinks from the venue rather than you having to worry about bringing your own. The cafe’s alcohol licence currently runs until 10pm, with the option to extend it until 11pm.
And, of course, there is food.
For smaller hires of up to 10 people, guests can pre-order dishes from the regular vegan main menu. For larger groups or events where a seated meal is not the plan, Black Cat can provide a vegan buffet featuring small bites and big bowls to share. The food can be tailored around the number of guests and your food budget, which sounds like exactly the sort of flexible approach you want when organising an event.
One important thing to note is that outside food and drink cannot be brought into the venue. Given that Black Cat already has vegan food and drink sorted, I don’t think that is much of a hardship.
The hire schedule also offers plenty of flexibility, with the space available on different days and at different times throughout the week. Hire time needs to include both setting up and packing down, so that is something to factor into your plans when making a booking.
Black Cat is also open to regular events. If you have been searching for somewhere to host a monthly open mic, weekly board games group, or another recurring community event, they may be able to offer the space at a reduced cost. This feels particularly fitting for a venue that has always understood the importance of creating spaces where people can come together.
There are a few accessibility details worth knowing too. The entrance has a 10cm step, but Black Cat has a fold-up ramp that can be put in place when you arrive. There is one gender-neutral bathroom with baby changing facilities, although there is currently no handrail in the bathroom.
As with any venue hire, there are terms and conditions to be aware of, including booking requirements, payment, cancellation, and food arrangements. A refundable security deposit may also be required depending on the type of event.
Head over to the Black Cat Cafe website to find the full hire information, including current pricing, availability, food and drink options, terms and conditions, and the booking enquiry form.
Visit the Black Cat Cafe website for full details.
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