I like to think I’m pretty up on all the new openings on London (it is – in theory at least – my job). But when it comes to coffee, I’m forever being scooped by my sister, who appears to have a sixth sense for new coffee shop openings in London, the bougier the better. So, it really shouldn’t have surprised me on Saturday morning when I got a message reading “have you guys written about Blank Street coffee yet? It’s just come from NYC to London, very cool”, accompanied by pictures of the soft launch (yes, she didn’t even wait for the actual opening). Blank Street officially opened the doors to their new Shoreditch and Fitzrovia coffee houses this morning (July 5), and here’s what you can expect…
Known for their cool, pistachio-coloured decor, Blank Street has engineered a pretty meteoric rise since launching their first coffee cart in August 2020. Now with 40 locations across NYC, the chain has grown off the back of a neighbourhood-first approach to coffee, highlighting local business and vendors that they love, and keeping the price of a cup down by way of micro-footprint spaces and smarter tech. All of which explains why, in an industry as famously underserved as the coffee shop trade, they’re plotting to open two dozen London stores by the year’s end.
Co-founder Issam Freiha explains that “Having grown up in London, this is an extra special moment for me”, and went on to promise “consistent quality, speed, great prices, and baristas you will absolutely adore.” On the price point, Blank Street has made a bold vow to cap prices at £3 for a small coffee, and that’s without skimping on the bean quality. They’ve teamed up with specialty UK coffee roasters Origin for their beans, which will be used in everything from americanos to flat whites. Oh, and those coffees come in slickly-designed cups, once again in the trademark green tones.
Speaking of branding, the chain also produces some achingly cool merch – and if you’ve talked to me for more than five minutes, you’ll have worked out that I’m a sucker for merch.
Elsewhere in store, you’ll be able to grab a variety of pastries to munch on the go, whilst Blank Street have also leaned into a range of iced drinks for summer, such as Strawberry & Cream Iced Latte, Matcha Lemonade, and the on-trend Pistachio Latte. So, if you’ve got a blank space where your favourite coffee house should be, maybe it’s time to write their name…
Find them at 44 Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 2NR, and 3 Redchurch Street, Shoreditch, E2 7DJ, with more to come.
Also published on Medium.