Pophams is a collection of artisanal bakeries and lifestyle stores in London, known for using traditional techniques and innovative flavors to create high-quality pastries and sourdough bread. It operates as a cozy cafe, offering a welcoming atmosphere across its multiple locations.
Customer Perception
Customers consistently praise Pophams for its delicious and comforting food, especially the pastries and sourdough. Many consider it among the best bakeries in London, noting the friendly staff and pleasant atmosphere. A common theme is that popular items sell out quickly, often by late morning, leading to queues, which is seen as a testament to its quality and popularity.
Pophams operates multiple locations across London, including Islington, London Fields, and Victoria Park. While they previously had a pasta restaurant at London Fields, their primary focus is now on their artisanal bakeries and cafes. They also have a 'Pophams Home' online store offering curated lifestyle items.
It is highly recommended to visit as early as possible, especially on weekends, as popular items like the bacon and maple bun and special Danish often sell out by 11 AM. Weekday lunches are also noted for their delicious soup and sourdough.
5
I’ve visited this branch multiple times and absolutely love their weekday lunch menu. The soup paired with sourdough is consistently delicious and comforting.
On weekends, I’d recommend trying their special Danish; it’s always a treat. Their flan is also excellent: rich and creamy with a perfectly baked pastry base.
Just one more thing, come as early as you can as goods sold out quickly.
Despite arriving quite late on a busy Saturday, I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly the line moved. I managed to grab a seat outside, which worked out well since the indoor space is quite small.
I ordered a flat white, a yoghurt bowl with rhubarb compote and granola, and a pastry filled with Schlossberger cheese, leeks, and marmite. The coffee arrived almost immediately - it was impressive how efficiently they handled such a large crowd, and it tasted great.
As for the food, I very much enjoyed it. The yoghurt bowl was excellent - thick, creamy yoghurt balanced nicely with the sweetness of the rhubarb and the satisfying crunch of the granola. The pastry was outstanding and easily one of the flakiest I’ve ever had. The marmite added a perfect umami depth that paired beautifully with the cheese and braised leeks.
I would definitely come back again.
Pophams is renowned for its laminated pastry technique. The iconic products are:
Rosemary & Sea Salt Croissant: A perfect balance between sweet and savoury. Bacon & Maple Danish: A classic for those who love bold flavours. Cheese & Marmite Swirl: For more typically British tastes.
At weekends the queues can be quite long, especially at the Islington location. I recommend going early in the morning to find the full variety of pastries available, as the most popular items tend to sell out quickly.
There are plenty of seats and tables outside (perfect for sunny days) as well as seating inside. The staff are very friendly and always helpful.
The only downside, unfortunately, is that there is no customer toilet.
In terms of quality, it comes highly recommended.
Came to add another cheer for the maple bacon pastry... it's insanely good!! I've been trying some of the popular bakeries and some of them are pretty while the food is lacking. Not the case with Pophams. I have to say, I was a little disappointed when I arrived and saw only a handful of options rather than a big display with an array of pastries. However, what was available looked really good. I got the popular maple bacon, brought it home to the other side of town and warmed it up in the air fryer.
It was OUTSTANDING! The thing with pastry is that it can be really dry and crunchy and a bit flavourless but this one was the opposite of it all. It was the perfect amount of soft in the middle, so buttery and flavoursome. And, I mean, maple bacon, how can you go wrong with it?! Would get it again and again if it weren't for my waistline and bank account.
Love the spring al fresco vibes! Lovely neighborhood and good coffee. I missed the bacon and maple bun that my friends raved about cos it’s sold out by 11am. Will come again to try my luck.
