Gecko Coffeehouse in Tower Hamlets

Probably the best cafe I've found in a year of living in London. The atmosphere is calm and clean and cozy. The drinks and food are always spot on. The service is lovely. And my favorite thing is that their laptop policy is: perfect. I'm a digital nomad, and someone who works from cafes regularly. I don't have an office, because my business is fully remote, and staying at home all the time would lead to a tanked mental health and social isolation. But as remote work popularizes, so many cafes are managing remote workers incorrectly. There are some cafes that have become incredibly rude and aggressive: I've been kicked out of cafes, latte half finished, upon opening my laptop (I'll never be back). On the other hand, I've been to cafes with a friend for a nice catch-up, and found every table full and the atmosphere eerily quiet because everyone is working. Also not good. Gecko has achieved the balance. They have two levels, and during weekdays, downstairs is laptop friendly (and public about it) and upstairs is reserved for social time. And on weekends, the big tables downstairs are for laptops, and everywhere else is social. The result is there is always space for me, and I don't feel awkward about it. I can come and get work done. I can come and chat with a friend. Gecko is happy to have me. And their vibes remain immaculate, a great blend of light socializing and chatter and some folks getting some work done as well. Cheers to Gecko. Hopefully more cafes can learn from how you manage your nest. <3

Beautiful space - particularly downstairs which looks perfect for remote working. Oat flat white was perfect. Food was good but portions on the small side

Lovely people, great coffee and tea. Nice resting spot on our streetart adventure!

Their kimchi sandwich was out of this world. I love that you can pick half portions in case you want to try different sandwiches or have room for something sweet! Music was not too loud and prices are decent

The best coffee. The Oat Milk Latte is fantastic. The staff are always super friendly as well, makes for a great experience.

Excellent cafe to study in with a great working space downstairs.

One of the best coffee shops in London. They use great beans from Curve Coffee Roasters and have skilled baristas. Had one of the best flat whites from there. Employees are friendly. The basement is cozy and quiet while upstairs is often busy so you can pick your vibe. Food is great too.

The folks at Gecko Coffeehouse really know how to prepare amazing food! The fact that it's all vegan gives it the cherry on top.

Really good place, really good spicy Chai latte and good people 👍 Chill ambiance

Top vegan cafe with great coffee, savoury/sweet meal options and pastries. Had the protein pancakes and gecko breakfast. So delicious! Drinks were nice too. Also got a carrot cake to take home. Note:there is plenty downstairs seatingfor a comfortable sit in, many used this as a work space too.

i looveeee this place, firstly walking in the people working were so sweet, and the palestine solidarity made me so so happy :,) The drink was amazing the chilli jam pesto sandwich was 10/10 omg!!! I love the ambience downstairs and how comfortable and accessible everything is!! Also love the student discount :) Love this place and will be back for sure <3

great decor and really nice coffee!! one of the best places to get coffee and study.

Extremely happy to have found this place. Service was charming and warm, food was incredible - some of the tastiest vegan food I’ve had in London.

Best pancakes I’ve ever had! The combination of flavors were amazing, and the textures were perfect! Everything on point 👌🏼

Finally I got to eat a vegan pain au chocolat...and it was PERFECT!

Cool spot. Came here for a coffee and carrot cake, both I'd recommend. Really inviting atmosphere as the staff are very pleasant. I like the attention to detail, down to the space and the fancy ceramic mugs. Didn't realise until I was leaving that there was a downstairs space, which I'll be back soon with my laptop to make use of

I visit Gecko regularly, great for working either upstairs or downstairs, friendly staff, great coffee, and delicious food.

I am usually not a fan of vegan milk but after having had this coffee, I might have to reconsider. Extremely good coffee, delicious breakfast and chill atmosphere - 10/10!

Plant-based on the door, Vegan at heart! Friendly welcoming staff and a delicious vegan pan au chocolat and coffee. Just what we needed!

Super friendly staff, cosy vibe, and importantly, awesome coffee. 👌🏻 It's a dairy-free zone, I normally go full cow for my latte, but oat's OK by me!

They say you can tell a lot about a restaurant by the state of its customer bathrooms. So I decided to stick to having a tea. The upside is that the downstairs is dog friendly.

I wasn’t aware that this cafe is strictly plant based upon arriving and I understand that it’s one of those progressive vegan cafe’s. However, there should at least be an option for the other 87% of Londoners that, (According to a recent study) DON’T drink plant based milk with their coffee. All I wanted was a simple normal cup of Flat White with regular milk. Not knowing that they don’t provide a regular milk alternative, I went ahead with Oat Milk… Absolutely horrible. I didn’t expect it to be that bad. Ruined my coffee experience. Anyway, I think they should consider adding an option for regular milk. Positives: design, atmosphere and friendly staff 👍🏽

Currently a regular visitor here. Really enjoy the matcha lattes and as everything is vegan I can eat any of the delicious cakes - but you have to be quick as they tend to go quite quickly. Most of the staff are friendly and if you want to work on your laptop there is a dedicated space downstairs.

Very welcoming especially nice man made my grandson pancakes to his liking and very aware of his allergies , thank you for your kindness .

Unnecessary laptop policy on the basement during weekends. No one without a laptop wants to spend that long in a musty room.

Avocado sourdough was great, the addition of the walnut and sage spread is a really nice touch. Prices also not too outrageous for this area of town.

Really nice pain au chocolat and cosy vibes but not great that there’s only one bathroom

Amazing coffee and lovely atmosphere, downstairs great space to focus too

My favourite cafe in east London with the best Matcha latte. A good place to visit or study in their downstairs laptop area. Most wonderful experience.

Such a great study spot. Staff are all lovely, and the plant based food and beverages are top quality.

I take away a banana bread. Tasted good but not sure I will be back to try something different. Banana bread slice £3,5 I appreciate everything, organic place

Good coffee and a lovely environment. Slightly pricey but that’s central London for you.

Lovely space. Lovely lounge area for working.

Came here because of a recommendation from a friend, and Gecko exceeded expectations! All vegan, delicious food and coffee. Great decor too: lots of wood, ambient light, and plants! Lovely spot to do some laptop work with the fantastic wifi, as well. Definitely will be returning for more.

Lovely café with cosy, downstairs seating area for those with a laptop or who simply want a quiet place to read or study. Delicious banana bread and coffee. Can't wait to come again!

Kind staff and big fan of the protein pancakes, not keen on the matcha as it tastes quite watered down—although this may be on purpose as a sugar free, vegan option! (Sure does make a good picture though). But personally not keen on it as a person that likes sugar and diary in her matcha. If you prefer sugar free and vegan then it’s perfect for you. Great atmosphere and quiet despite very busy times (1-3pm). Come early, almost opening time, if you want to come here as a student for the best seats. I came in 15 minutes after opening and there were 2 people already downstairs in the laptop area. Toilet facilities available, as well as refillable water station downstairs for the water glasses they provide you with. Wonderful breakfast and lunch :) will be a regular here.

Gecko Coffeehouse is not one to be missed if you love wholesome vegan food, a cozy but cool atmosphere, friendly staff and exceptional coffee! I would highly recommend the matcha too and the price for London was very reasonable 👍✨️🌿

This was such a pleasant surprise. Great work area, lovely staff and cool coffee mugs. Will defo be back

This is a very bright and friendly plant based coffee shop. All the coffee drinks are made with oat milk (almond milk or coconut milk is also available. Besides typical pastries, there is a small menu of breakfast foods. We had the açai bowl and the avocado and thyme toast. Both were delicious. You cannot sit and work on your laptop upstairs, but there is a special space downstairs where laptops are allowed. Great place with friendly staff and good food!

in every possible way perfect spot to go to . perfect atmosphere for work , chill good food and good music

I have just eaten another superb meal at Gecko, that being a newly launched menu item named "the gecko breakfast". The presentation was superb and it was really tasty, especially with the addition of chilli oil & side of butter beans. The sautéed potatoes were excellent as were the pea based sausages Highly recommended, cant wait to return!

I had an overall good experience at Gecko Coffee House in terms of the food, service, and atmosphere. The ambiance was lovely, and I haven't come across a coffee house quite like it. However, I was deeply concerned about the hygiene, as I saw mice downstairs—one even crawled near my feet, and another in the lavatory. This was quite alarming and overshadowed the positive aspects of my visit. I would have loved to return, but the hygiene issues give me serious pause. I hope this is addressed, as Gecko Coffee House has the potential to be an exceptional spot.

Favourite coffee spot in east London! Nice to have glasses that don’t smell like eggs too

Love the downstairs area, it's super cosy but does get fairly warm (and busy!) during warmer weather. The staff were friendly, and I like that there's specific areas where you can and can't use your laptops. My iced latte was a tad too watery, but tasted okay. Their prices are definitely on the higher end, but the menu looked interesting and I'd go back to try the food.

you’re not gonna want to miss out on the food and drinks here. i could write the longest review in the world on how the atmosphere is so welcoming and the staff are just the friendliest people ever, the food is so flavorful and healthy and a bunch of other words i have to look up on the thesaurus to describe, or the incredibly tasty drinks that just feel like you’re home, but I’m not gonna do that, instead I’m just gonna say this; do yourself a favor and visit gecko. tell your friends, the best vegan cafe in town is for everyone:)

Fantastic cafe, loved the study area downstairs, free WiFi, plug sockets, laptop friendly and appreciate the water cooler to keep hydrated! Really great find

All vegan Coffee Shop. I recommend the Peanut Butter & Kimchi Sandwich

Really nice plant based food. Staff were very nice too.

I would give it 10 stars if I could ! Everything is amazing about this place! The coffee is amazing, delicious and healthy brunch and lunch 🤍 Great environment to work or hangout the staff are friendly , the vibes are comfy and calm!

Gecko is fantastic! The coffee is spot on, and the vegan treats are super tasty. The place has a cozy vibe, and the staff is really welcoming. Definitely worth a visit! my favorite spot in London

Bad coffee, I had a hair in my avocado toast.

We had to wait forever, which is ok, but the server was super rude and let us wait more. Then, we received the coffe and I believe the milk wasn't fresh. I felt sick

A plant based coffee house 💚 We absolutely loved the cozy vibes and the drinks were great 👍.

Had a free coffee (via Paace) and it was SO good. I totally recommend coming here if you’re into great coffee.

Really nice chill atmosphere, friendly staff, great coffee and plant-based food - what more could you want?! Definitely recommend the açai bowl.

It was a great place to get some writing done and the coffee was amazing too.

One of the cosiest coffee shops I've ever been to. Such a homely feeling - the ambiance is lovely. Staff are pro Palestine too which just makes it an even more amazing!

Absolutely lovely coffee, a lovely atmosphere and a brilliant service. Btw their organic chai latte put me in heaven

The coffee is very good, atmosphere is very soothing, and the food was superb

Yummy breakfast and such a great spot to work for the day! The downstairs workspace was incredible and free of all distractions. Will be back.

Great iced oat matcha with agave, friendly staff! Takeaway this time but will definitely be back to enjoy the cozy indoor seating.

Great establishment. I love the matcha latte. I wish the music would be quieter and something more ambient. When I don't have my headphones, I find it hard to work here.

I love this coffee! The oat milk cappuccino and matcha latte are beautiful and really delicious! The place is very pretty and pleasant.

My new favourite place for brunch! Came back for the 3rd time this week as the food and coffee is so good, amazing service as well :) highly recommend the pancakes 🥞

You have to HAVE to try the ice-cream!!!

High quality food and coffee. Great atmosphere and the staff are friendly and welcoming. Highly recommended and we will be returning.

Super cute inside and spacious for Shoreditch, the oat flat white here is elite.

LOVE that it's plant based! My favourite cafe in the area by far!

Friendly service, best avocado toast I’ve ever had, and a great, relaxing environment. 10/10 would recommend…

Such a cozy space to work in! Love how they divided the cafe into laptop and non-laptop friendly sections. Didn’t try the food but the salted caramel latte is amazing!

Wonderful food. Had matcha. Tacos. Huge thanks to Alabama for her help in choosing.

great place to sit and do work with yummy and healthy food!

Lovely cafe with an amazing selection of plant based food and drinks. Great space downstairs to work from during the week and the staff are lovely.

Fast, friendly service. Good coffee and really good vegan food. Fantastic flavours, healthy options. Small cafe, good place for brunch/lunch.

Great ambience, very chilled. Genuine plant based drinks and food. Good tasting vegan foods.😊

Absolutely lovely coffee and lots of dairy free (vegan) pastries that you wouldn’t know didn’t contain butter.

Nice cafe and great vibe. First time here and I will come back. BUT your closing procedure could be a bit kinder. There was no 10 minute warning, I was mid-gulp of my tea and didn't get a chance to sip my water before staff announced it's closing time and whipped the little tray from the table the moment I set my teacup down. I left promptly, with others still motionlessly staring at their laptops with their plates of half-eaten pastries still with them. Let's try to be better next time, please!

Sensational coffee and the shops smells really nice.. to me it smelt like coffee with a blend of watermelon

Really nice place with delicious coffee to start your day

This cafe is so cute. The service was great, and so was the decor. My oat milk cappuccino was really good, I honestly wasn’t expecting myself to like it so much. Would definitely come back!

Absolutely amazing coffeehouse. Good selections of coffee even though all plant based. Couldn’t find anywhere more suitable to be working than this place

Fantastic vegan breakfast!!! We'd love to come back.

Staff are so kind, was able to sit here all day with my laptop. Can get quite busy but there’s a section downstairs for laptops and quiet study and dim lighting. Really lovely atmosphere, I managed to snag a window seat and it was beautiful. Stayed until the end and even got a free croissant! Happy to know they don’t waste food as I know many shops throw out their left over food. Good coffee, love that the default milk is oat milk as it’s a plant based coffee store. Good amount of sockets and lovely inside of store makes you feel at home!

Coffee and vegan carrot cake was good !

Great people, service, and vibe. Even when I was difficult with my allergies, they replaced my acai bowl, and treated me kindly. Thank you, Elliot.

Love this place. Great coffee and comparably cheap. Awesome interior and great music. All staff are always friendly and kind.

I passed by gecko and came in to drink cold brew. It was quite delicious. A demonstration of cold brew coffee.

Best avocado toast! And nice coffee 😋

The best coffee shop in shoreditch! Right next to brick lane, amazing pastries, great coffee. Insane food - avocado sourdough and shakshuka. Lovely staff, always a great vibe.

Great little cafe which is still a bit of a hidden gem. All food and drinks are vegan and really nice, non vegan friends have enjoyed them too. Downstairs there is a great space where you're free to work for the day, there's always plenty of tables as it's quite large. Staff is always friendly and helpful, and orders arrive fast.

Lovely vibe and yummy plant-based food and coffee!

Iv'e just received a delicious coffee via deliveroo which I understand is a new offering from Gecko. It was superb, really lovely flavour and great to see biodegradable cups being used. Looking forward to visiting in person soon. After visiting today I have to say the in person expereince was amazing. The food was superb, coffee even better and the cafe setup is fantastic - especially the dedicated working area downstairs if you need a quieter place to sit. Highly recommended

Love this coffee place! The atmosphere is busy and exciting, the staff looks so fun and cool. The food options are very diverse, there's something for everyone. We loved the acai bowl! I am from California, so I was surprised to taste how amazing it was. The matcha was alright, but the carmel latte was great! The 12.5% service charge is a little much so we did takeaway, but recommend for the yummy food!

Amazing pancakes and açai bowl with friendly staff. Gluten free options.

perfect. perfect. perfect. All staff are also so so lovely!! p.s make cute coffee art!!

For an alternative cafe, their cafe is 98% gluten-included. Refused to warm up my parters banana bread too - weird

The latte was so delicious that I kept thinking about it. It's savory and has a bit of acidity.

Nice coffee, awkward staff, good ambience. Would have been a 5 star review….. However - charging service charge for a black Americano is frankly wrong. 12.5% to make a black coffee? I would understand if this was for food service but to make an Americano? Let’s not turn into America and have tipping for everything. Apply it to food if you really want to - but guys, this isn’t fine dining, or even a restaurant, you are a coffee shop. I know it’s ‘discretionary’, but don’t make that decision to put it on drinks to start with.

Really nice interior and great coffee/treats but quite expensive. Downstairs was humid and also a bit of a dead vibe with everyone on laptops on a Sunday, felt like we couldn't just chat normally

Enjoyed a hemp tea and carrot cake downstairs in the basement where there are tables available for people to work on laptops as well as laptop free tables. Quiet relaxing music was playing, giving a relaxed atmosphere away from the more bustling upstairs.