Christoff.ai

Jenki

cafes and bakeries•
London
London

Jenki

43 Brushfield Street, London E1 6AA, United Kingdom

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away on Brushfield Street in historic Spitalfields, Jenki has carved out a niche as London's premier matcha destination, serving 100% ceremonial grade matcha sourced directly from Uji, Japan. This isn't your average café – it's a carefully curated space that transforms from zen-like daytime sanctuary to sophisticated evening cocktail lounge, all while maintaining its commitment to authentic Japanese tea culture.

Jenki: Spitalfields' Ceremonial Matcha Sanctuary

Where authentic Japanese tea culture meets Instagram-worthy minimalism

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Jenki's interior is a masterclass in Japanese-inspired minimalism, featuring bespoke geometric shelving and original Japanese seating that creates an authentically calming environment. The thoughtfully chosen green-blue colour scheme enhances the zen-like quality that permeates the space during daylight hours. What sets this venue apart is its remarkable transformation capabilities – as evening approaches, the same minimalist design elements that create a peaceful daytime retreat evolve into the backdrop for a sophisticated cocktail lounge. The space achieves that coveted Instagram-worthy aesthetic without feeling contrived, striking a balance between visual appeal and genuine tranquillity. With sophistication levels rating 6.5/10 and a trendy factor of 8.5/10, it's clear this venue has mastered the art of being both photogenic and purposeful. The energy remains pleasantly moderate at 4.5/10, making it ideal for those seeking respite from London's typical café chaos.

Food & Drink

The star of Jenki's offering is undoubtedly their ceremonial grade matcha from Uji, Japan – this isn't the bitter, commercial-grade powder you'll find elsewhere. Their signature 'Flat Green' (matcha flat white) showcases the quality of their sourcing, while creative seasonal offerings like strawberry elderflower matcha and lavender CBD matcha demonstrate genuine innovation. The menu extends beyond traditional preparations with yuzu mint soda providing a refreshing alternative. Food options include vegan matcha soft serve ice cream (£4-5), matcha-infused baked goods like croissants and cookies, plus more substantial offerings such as orange cardamom rice pudding and kimuchi sourdough toastie. The commitment to plant milk options across all drinks ensures the vegan-friendly approach isn't an afterthought. The seasonal specials show a kitchen willing to experiment while respecting the core ingredient's integrity.

Service & Experience

The staff at Jenki bring genuine knowledge and enthusiasm to their roles, providing personalised service that enhances rather than overwhelms the experience. Their understanding of matcha preparation and willingness to guide newcomers through the menu demonstrates proper training and passion for the product. The venue operates on a walk-in basis with no reservations required, and they've managed to balance grab-and-go efficiency with a relaxed sit-down atmosphere. The flexibility rating of 7.0/10 suggests they've successfully created a space that accommodates different customer needs without compromising the overall experience.

Value for Money

With matcha lattes priced at £4-6 and specialty drinks ranging £5-7, Jenki sits firmly in mid-range territory with a price level of 2/4. While the AI analysis notes that premium pricing can add up quickly for regular visits, the use of genuine ceremonial grade matcha from Uji justifies the cost compared to standard café offerings. The vegan soft serve at £4-5 represents reasonable pricing for a specialty item in central London. Beyond consumables, they offer merchandise including tote bags, t-shirts, matcha powder, tea ware, and accessories for those wanting to take the experience home. The pricing reflects the quality of ingredients and the curated experience rather than simple café economics.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Weekdays from 8am offer the optimal experience – you'll find better lighting for photos and a more tranquil atmosphere before the crowds arrive. Weekend visits (9am-5pm) tend to be busier. The day-to-night transformation means evening visits offer a completely different vibe if you're seeking the cocktail lounge experience.

What to Focus On

Start with the signature 'Flat Green' to experience their ceremonial grade matcha at its finest. The vegan matcha soft serve is essential for the full experience, and seasonal specials like strawberry elderflower matcha showcase their creative approach when available.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Snag the window seat for optimal natural lighting – perfect for that Instagram flat lay content that the space is designed to inspireAll drinks can be customised with plant milk options, making this genuinely accessible for various dietary requirementsThis is one of four London locations (Borough Market, Spitalfields, Selfridges, and Covent Garden), but the Spitalfields location offers the most authentic neighbourhood experience

The Final Verdict

Jenki succeeds where many trendy cafés fail – it delivers substance alongside style. The commitment to ceremonial grade matcha from Uji elevates it beyond typical London coffee shops, while the thoughtful design creates a space that genuinely feels like a sanctuary in busy Spitalfields. The pricing reflects the quality, and the day-to-night transformation adds versatility rare in specialty tea venues. While it may not suit those seeking high-energy social spaces (energy level 4.5/10), it excels as a destination for quality-focused individuals who appreciate authentic Japanese tea culture presented with contemporary flair.

Christoff's Rating:
7.8/10

Perfect For:

Matcha enthusiasts seeking authentic ceremonial grade qualityInstagram content creators looking for genuinely photogenic spacesAnyone needing a zen-like escape from Spitalfields' tourist crowds

Quick Details

1

Jenki

⭐️ Ceremonial matcha
⭐️ Day to night
⭐️ Spitalfields
🌿 Vegan soft serve

This Spitalfields shape-shifter transforms from morning matcha sanctuary to evening cocktail destination, proving that Japanese tea culture can evolve without losing its soul. The 'Flat Green' matcha flat white has achieved cult status among London's caffeine cognoscenti, while seasonal specials like strawberry elderflower matcha show creative confidence. The geometric shelving and original Japanese seating create Instagram gold, but the real magic happens in the cup,100% ceremonial grade Uji matcha prepared with modern precision. The vegan soft serve ice cream provides a cooling counterpoint to the warming teas, while the evening transformation adds cocktail sophistication. Four London locations prove the concept scales without losing quality.

What's Great

✓ Ceremonial grade Uji matcha with creative seasonal specials

✓ Minimalist Japanese design transforms from zen café to sophisticated cocktail lounge

Keep in Mind

× Premium pricing at £4-7 per drink adds up quickly for regular visits

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Visit at 8am weekdays for optimal lighting and snag the window seat for perfect content

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm\nSat-Sun: 9am-5pm"
📍43 Brushfield Street, London E1 6AA, United Kingdom
💷£££
📞+44 20 3488 7777
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Jenki 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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