Potter and Reid on Toynbee Street, London E1, is one of those neighbourhood cafés that feels like a proper little find. Tucked away near Liverpool Street Station and Spitalfields Market, it has a calm, local energy that makes you want to slow down. We popped in on a quiet Saturday, checked they were dog-friendly, and settled into a relaxed meal. If you’re looking for brunch in London E1 or a cosy café near Spitalfields Market, Potter and Reid is a lovely spot to know about.
“Potter and Reid offer a calm hideout in East London where you can savour a great cup of coffee and enjoy a leisurely brunch or lunch,” Homegirl London.
Potter And Reid Menu
The all-day menu is short and well thought out, which I always take as a good sign. We chose the grilled cheese sandwich with chilli jam first, and it was exactly what you want from a proper toastie. The sourdough bread was golden and crisp, the cheese melted and gooey, and the chilli jam added a subtle sweetness with a gentle kick. It felt comforting yet still a bit special.
Next up were the fried eggs (which we asked to be well done) with paprika and creamy garlic potatoes. The potatoes were soft and smooth, with a mellow garlic flavour running through them, and the paprika added warmth without overpowering the dish. Once everything was piled onto the toast, it became one of those simple, hearty plates that just hits the spot on a slow weekend morning.
We finished with a slice of banana bread with honey butter, which felt like the perfect sweet ending. Also available are toast and jam, three-grain porridge with spiced seeds and fruit compote, and a bacon-and-egg bap with cheddar and brown sauce. All-day menu prices range from £4.50 to £14.
From 12 to 2.30, they add a few more lunch options, including a braised beef sandwich with winter greens and harissa mayo, a mushroom melt with kraut, cheddar and Russian dressing, and a rustic cabbage soup with sourdough, lardon, barlotti beans and parmesan. Lunch dishes are priced from £12.50 to £13.
The drinks menu covers all the coffee favourites, including Allpress espresso-based classics, guest-filter options, matcha and iced drinks, alongside teas from Good and Proper, seasonal sodas, beer, and wine. I had a latte, and my partner had a chai latte, both of which were excellent. Prices range from £3.50 to £5.20, with wine by the bottle from £34.
Helpful Information About Potter And Reid
Potter and Reid are at 20-22 Toynbee Street, London E1 7NE, just a short walk from Liverpool Street Station and close to Spitalfields Market. As you walk in, there are shelves of coffee beans, natural wines and pantry staples to buy, and a marble counter for takeaway orders. Beyond that, the space opens into a simple, airy dining room that’s larger than it first appears, with a few tables outside for warmer days.
The café was founded by Agnes and Dani, who met while working at Allpress in East London and went on to create their own neighbourhood spot centred on good coffee, nourishing food and community. It’s open Monday to Friday, 7.30 am to 4 pm, and Saturday to Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm. I’d happily return for another easy weekend brunch, a coffee catch-up with a friend, or a relaxed stop with the dog in tow. To find out more, visit the Potter and Reid website.
If you want to explore the area, you may find these articles of interest:
Shoreditch East London Helpful Area Guide
Ten Things To Do In Brick Lane East London
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. I only write about coffee shops or eateries where I had a good experience. I recommend you do further research, as standards fluctuate, as do opinions. Please verify that the establishment is still in business and check its opening times before visiting.