Urban Baristas opens largest site at London Dock

Australian-inspired artisanal coffee shop, Urban Baristas, has officially opened its largest site at London Dock. 

Sustainably sourcing its coffee, Urban Baristas joins a growing mix of modern restaurants, interactive water features and green spaces at Gauging Square. Once a historical trading dock for luxuries, such as coffee, London Dock is now a revitalised all-day place to host a unique blend of shops, bars, and restaurants offering internationally sought-after cuisines.

This new 2,000 sq ft store is home to the brand’s first “Coffee Lab”, a dedicated training base for employees whilst also offering a new public initiative and series of coffee courses for London’s aspiring coffee connoisseurs.

Founded by long-time friends Huw Wardrope and Jonathan Bowman, the specialty coffee roaster has been operating in London since 2016, opening its first Wapping store in 2017, and now has a total of 12 kiosks, coffee shops and brunch cafes across London.

Creative flavours and healthy Aussie lifestyle choices are central to the concept of Urban Baristas. From nutritious Brekkie pots to the ultimate comfort food Ham and Cheese toastie, Urban Baristas are passionate about serving up a taste of Aussie beach culture.

Urban Baristas at London Dock will have an authentic menu designed to meet dietary requirements including gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, nut- free and sesame­ free needs.

Wardrope said: “Urban Baristas is all about simplicity, laid-back vibes and all things specialty coffee. We’re an authentic Aussie specialty coffee roaster and our shops are simple and unpretentious, just like our Australian culture and proudly renowned coffee. London Dock is an exciting place for all – whether in search of your daily morning coffee, a bite to eat for visitors in the centre of London’s tourist hotspots or learning how to make an awesome flat white through one of our coffee courses in our own ‘Coffee lab’. 

“London Dock’s vibrant feel, central riverside location,and coffee related history were just some of the reasons why we wanted to expand our Wapping – and London – portfolio. It is a place you can take abreather, and we aim to bring a little bit of a Bondi-Beach state of mind to the hustle and bustle of the city.”

Marcus Blake, regional managing director of St George City & St Joseph, said: “Urban Baristas is a much-loved coffee artisan in Wapping and we are thrilled to support their expansion across the city with their new opening at London Dock’s exciting Gauging Square. London is a capital offering culinary delights from around the world, at every turn – it’s what makes this capital so eclectic. 

“At London Dock we’re passionate about working with, and supporting, independent and local companies to offer a prime pocket of London something a little different. Moments from London landmarks, the River Thames and the Capital’s notable cultural establishments, London Dock’s Gauging Square is an all-day destination for all to enjoy in the City.”