Potter & Reid

Perfect Coffee, Relaxing Charm, and Gem-like Ambiance

Nestled on a quaint and tranquil street in the heart of East London, Potter & Reid offers an unassuming charm that belies its bustling locale near Spitalfields and Liverpool Street. Frequently lauded for its sleek yet cozy ambiance, this hip café provides a delightful hideaway, serving top-notch filter coffee and quality espresso-based drinks utilizing Allpress beans—the ubiquitous but solid choice for reliable coffee. It's not just about coffee here; the food—ranging from celeriac soup with walnuts to spiced chicken puff pie with citrus radicchio salad—is celebrated for its freshness and creativity, lighting up the taste buds with seasonal twists. The homemade brown sauce is a spicy wonder crowning their breakfast baps.

The café adopts a screen-free policy from noon until three, attempting to champion more social interactions in an era increasingly overrun by blue light. And while some praises turn to grumbles during those laptop-shunning hours, the rule seems well-intentioned, catering to those who prefer not to share their meal with silent screens. A homey yet trendy domain, adorned with cool pottery, Potter & Reid is not just a place; it’s an experience dotted with thoughtful touches like complimentary sparkling water taps. Staff, mostly warm and engaging, wrap customer service in friendly chats and thoughtful gestures—birthday candles for special moments, for example—cementing patrons' affection. Whether you're a seeker of a quiet breakfast spot, a fan of diverse pastries, or simply yearning to watch the city's arterial life flow by through floor-to-ceiling windows, Potter & Reid succeeds in being more than just a comma in your day but rather a compelling chapter. — Audrey Al Dente