Clissold House café, which entered administration in March 2024, is set to become the newest member of the Fink’s family.
Hackney residents said its closure had “left a big hole for many of the communities using our beautiful park”.
Speaking to the Hackney Post, Fink’s co-founder, Jess Blackstone, said: “When we heard that the park was coming up for tender, we were sort of like, right, it’s a no-brainer. We’ve got to try. It’s just so beautiful there.”
Fink’s takeover has been met with enthusiasm from loyal customers and Clissold locals alike.
“People have been really lovely and seem quite excited,” Blackstone added. “While there is no opening date yet, work is well under way.”
The council is currently repairing the space, including fixing a major water leak and refurbishing the floors.
“It’s a bit of a process, and all I can say is we are chomping at the bit to get open,” Blackstone said.
Fink’s already has local ties. Another of its locations, Fink’s Pump House, is nearby, and Fink’s roots in Hackney and Islington helped it secure the Clissold House Café contract.
“our main site is also just down the road. So, the park has always been a part of our lives.”
“Our main site is also just down the road,” said Blackstone. “So [the park] has always been a part of our lives.”
While Fink’s is known for its hearty and high-quality offerings, the new café’s identity will be tailored to the park and its visitors.
Blackstone said: “It’s going to be similar, but not the same. It’s not going to be a duplicate Fink’s because we want to make something that’s specific to the park and the park community.”
Customers can still expect Fink’s signature sandwiches, fresh salads, and seasonal dishes, all made from scratch, but with the addition of a dine-in menu.
During the application process, locals highlighted the need for an affordable café. Blackstone underlined Fink’s commitment to affordability.
She said: “We are making sure there’s a really good breadth of pricing so that it’s accessible, and we’re making sure there’s a really great kids’ offering. We’re just going to be watching and listening to what people are responding to.”
Fink’s completed an extensive selection process, including meetings with Hackney Council representatives, park management, and the park user group.
“They ask you all sorts of questions about how you’re going to make it work and what your vision is. It’s certainly rigorous, but actually, it’s great. Their focus is on what you can give to the community, as well as sustainability and localism,” Blackstone added.
With its strong local ties and a reputation for fresh and high-quality produce, Fink’s London is set to make Clissold House café a much-loved community space once again.
Lily Scaplehorn - community reporter for Clissold - former political reporter at Radio Cardiff and Bro Radio