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Climpson & Sons

cafes and bakeries•
London
London

Climpson & Sons

67 Broadway Market, London E8 4PH, United Kingdom

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Christoff's Take

Insider review

Since 2002, this converted butcher shop has been the beating heart of Broadway Market's coffee scene, long before specialty coffee became ubiquitous across London. What started as a pioneering roastery has evolved into an East London institution that somehow manages to stay relevant without losing its original charm.

Climpson & Sons: East London's Original Coffee Pioneer Still Leading the Charge

Where Broadway Market's coffee revolution began - and continues to thrive

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Step into this cozy converted former butcher shop and you'll immediately understand why Climpson & Sons scores a solid 6.5 for energy level. The space embodies that quintessential East London coffee scene vibe - relaxed yet bustling, especially during weekend foodie rushes when the limited indoor seating becomes genuinely cramped. The La Marzocco KB90 setup creates an intimate counter experience, though 'intimate' can quickly become 'claustrophobic' when Broadway Market hits its stride on weekends. Outdoor benches provide welcome relief and prime people-watching real estate. The atmosphere shifts dramatically between weekday regular rhythms and weekend market chaos - it's a community hub that genuinely feels like one, complete with the pet-friendly outdoor policy that adds to the neighbourhood charm. The sophistication score of 4.5 reflects its deliberately unpretentious approach.

Food & Drink

The coffee here isn't just good - it's historically significant. Their signature Broadway Blend seasonal coffee and The Fields rotating espresso showcase over two decades of roasting expertise, with beans roasted in-house at their full roastery operation on Wilton Way. The partnership with Dusty Knuckle for fresh pastries and focaccia creates a perfectly curated menu that complements rather than competes with the coffee focus. This isn't about elaborate food offerings; it's about expertly executed fundamentals. The B Corp certification speaks to their commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability - values that translate into the cup. While the venue scores only 5.0 for experience depth, the coffee itself tells a deeper story of East London's evolving food scene and the pioneering spirit that established this area as a destination.

Service & Experience

Service here reflects the dual nature of the space - weekday regulars enjoy a more relaxed pace, while weekend market-goers might find the experience feels rushed during peak times. The staff clearly know their coffee, which you'd expect from a place that offers coffee training at their roastery location. However, the venue's 4.0 score for social group size hints at the reality that this isn't designed for large gatherings - it's more about quick, quality interactions. The conversation-friendly score of 6.0 suggests it works well for casual meetups, though the weekend crowds can make meaningful conversation challenging.

Value for Money

With espresso starting at £2 and flat whites at £2.60, Climpson & Sons delivers on its promise of being affordable for specialty coffee. The under £30 average spend and student-friendly options make it accessible despite the premium quality. This pricing strategy has clearly worked - maintaining a price level of 1/4 while serving genuinely excellent coffee isn't easy in today's London market. The value extends beyond just the coffee; you're paying for over 20 years of roasting expertise, ethical sourcing practices, and a genuine piece of East London coffee history. For what you get - pioneer-level coffee in a landmark location - the pricing feels honest rather than exploitative.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings are your best bet for the full experience - arrive between 7:30am and 9am to avoid both the work rush and weekend chaos. Weekend visits are atmospheric but prepare for crowds and limited seating. The café operates Monday-Friday 7am-5pm, and Saturday-Sunday 8am-5pm.

What to Focus On

Start with their signature Broadway Blend or try The Fields rotating espresso to understand why they've maintained their reputation for over two decades. Pair with Dusty Knuckle pastries for the full experience. If you're serious about coffee, consider visiting their roastery location for training or equipment.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Claim the La Marzocco counter spot early on weekdays for the best coffee theatre experienceTheir full roastery at 103-105 Wilton Way offers coffee training, wholesale partnerships, and home brewing equipment if you want to dive deeperThe outdoor benches are pet-friendly and perfect for weekend market watching, though they fill up quickly during the foodie rush

The Final Verdict

Climpson & Sons succeeds because it never forgot what made it special in the first place. Yes, the weekend crowds can be overwhelming and the space genuinely cramped, but this is coffee history in action. The 7.5 uniqueness score reflects something increasingly rare - an original that hasn't been sanitized or scaled beyond recognition. The B Corp certification and ethical sourcing practices show they've evolved their values alongside their coffee. It's not perfect, but it's authentic in a way that many newer specialty coffee shops struggle to achieve.

Christoff's Rating:
7.2/10

Perfect For:

Coffee enthusiasts seeking historical significance alongside qualityWeekend market explorers who don't mind crowds for atmosphereWeekday regulars looking for a genuine community coffee hub

Quick Details

1

Climpson & Sons

☕ Pioneering coffee scene
⭐️ Broadway market
⭐️ Ethical sourcing
⭐️ Community hub
⭐️ Weekend foodie destination

Broadway Market's beating heart since 2002, this converted butcher shop represents East London's coffee pioneering spirit. The in-house roasting program produces signature Broadway Blend and rotating seasonal espressos that locals swear by. La Marzocco KB90 equipment dominates the intimate space, where Dusty Knuckle pastries complement expertly curated coffee. Weekend market crowds create a bustling energy that can feel overwhelming, but the outdoor benches provide perfect people-watching perches. As a certified B Corp, they've built their reputation on ethical sourcing and transparency,values that resonate through every cup. The full roastery operation on Wilton Way offers training and wholesale partnerships for serious coffee enthusiasts.

What's Great

✓ In-house roasting with B Corp ethical certification

✓ Prime Broadway Market location with outdoor seating

Keep in Mind

× Limited seating becomes extremely cramped during weekend market rushes

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Visit at 7:30am weekdays to claim the La Marzocco counter spot before crowds arrive

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Broadway Market Cafe: Mon-Fri: 7am-5pm, Sat-Sun: 8am-5pm\nRoastery & Shop: Mon-Fri: 9am-4pm, Sat-Sun: Closed"
📍67 Broadway Market, London E8 4PH, United Kingdom
💷££
📞+44 20 7241 1220
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Climpson & Sons has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

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cafes and bakeries in london•
Aug 22, 2025
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