Beaten by a Whisker, Walthamstow

https://www.beatenbyawhisker.com/

Unit 3 Hops House, 5a Old Brewery Way, Walthamstow
London, E17 7FJ
Only millennials, or those who have lived in Soviet states, would queue out the door of a bakery. If anything typifies the changing face of Walthamstow, it’s Beaten by a Whisker - an incidentally vegan bakery that sits under some high-end flats and across the road from another erection of middle class homes coming to the area of London where they sell the quickest.
The clientele are all distinctly hipster, a sea of well kept beards, designer jackets, stylish fisherman beanies, and thick rimmed glasses (that’s not a pop - besides the designer wear and beanie, I firmly fall into this description too). I join the back of this immaculate queue and eye up a spot in the window that would be perfect for lazily writing in the sun with a latte and slice of cake.

Once I do get to the front, I glance at the price of sandwiches and slices and opt for a small, rich peanut caramel brownie alongside my frothy coffee and then retreat to the still vacant seat I had earmarked for my own, away from the hummus hurling children and nattering of those I feel probably out-earn me by 2:1.
Bathed in golden light of a Sunday afternoon in mid-march, the coffee arrives promptly and I am treated to a Dark chocolatey coffee from Curious Too roasters, where the caramel notes rise through the oat milk to create a rich, viscous texture on the tongue. Pair this with the similar, if immensely sweeter, sensations of the brownie and you have somewhat of an exquisite experience. 
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It’s evident why this place has become a favourite for many locals (or at least those who can afford it), and by God I wish I could come down here everyday. It’s dangerous knowledge I know hold, knowing I can get a slice of delight so easily but at what cost to my waist and bank account?
Perhaps, I’ll keep it tucked in my back pocket for treats and visiting friends and family, but what a lovely treat it will be.