Penny University
I kept hearing about this coffeeshop on Redchurch St. that was meant to be new and quite terrific– I of course assumed that like most of the places I’d been it would prove to be a delicious espresso– yet one that didn’t quite meet the high bar set by Prufrock. The guys at Hostem quickly corrected me, telling me that they were a filter coffee only establishment also warning that there are specific rules to the whole process, but also that it was cool and worth a visit.
Sure enough, it was all of those things. Beautiful storefront– super minimalist, small– seating around 7. Additionally, there is no take away, so when the place first opened it was a long wait to get seated. Once you get your seat, you see how the time was used: in a careful intimate process of serving and enjoying drip coffee in just about the finest establishment that exists outside of the comfort of your home kitchen.
The brew, like practically all of the East London coffee specialists, use Square Mile Roasters. However, Penny U. happens to be Square Mile’s first experiment at running a cafe, and they only signed a few months lease so check it out quick !
The Penny University
5 Redchurch Street
London
E2 7DJ
England
Ps. Sorry for being a little slow on the blogs lately– travel tends to slow this shit down.. but now that I’m back in the New York I’ve got a few stories to tell.
Hostem Yesterday I stumbled upon a new shop called Hostem while walking around Bricklane. The interior was really impressive, and the selection was quite on point as well– a nice trimmed down mixture of upscale contemporary street (Visvim, etc) and fashion (Rick Owens, etc) brands, plus some nice smelling products. They had apparently just opened, and said they were opening a temporary (the gentleman working was leery about using the term ‘Pop-Up’) space with Dr. Romanelli that was currently under construction– but he said to keep an eye out over the next few weeks.. I wish I had that long ! Anyhow, check them out if you’re in town, its an instant favorite. I also managed to snap a secret photo while the worker’s back was turned ! HOSTEM
41-43 Redchurch Street
London
E2 7DJ
England
I got to meet up with my friend Garrett when I was at Bonnaroom, there he made me a ridiculous offer to which I immediately refused: to borrow his Canon 5D Mark II for the summer. Sometimes stubbornness can be overcame by unearthly amounts of generosity– the kid won me over, and I selfishly agreed to borrow the fabulous piece of equipment (and a small jagged blade to gore anyone that comes near it). Needless to say, I’m already in an ever deeper debt of gratitude to this gentleman. The camera is such a pleasure to use, and has already rendered several beautiful images (that I can hardly take credit for). Here is London so far:
