As the Toast the City Awards approaches, we’re looking at some of the very best places in the Square Mile – today we celebrate the wonderful coffee on offer from Hermanos Colombian Coffee Roasters
Colombian brothers Victor and Santiago Gamboa had a dream: to bring the world-beating coffee of their homeland to London. And after teaming up with Adnan Millwala, Hermanos Colombian Coffee Roasters was born.
Starting life in 2018 as a pop-up in Walthamstow’s Blackhorse Lane, the company now boasts 10 London locations, including Portobello Road, King’s Cross, Victoria, Barnes, Columbia Road, Blackhorse Lane and Aldgate – the latter of which is a Finalist in our Toast the City Awards for Best Coffee.
Can Hermanos match last year’s winner?
Last year we handed the Slice of Toast Trophy to Abchurch Lane’s Lazy Coffee, which we praised for its outstandingly sourced, lovingly prepared coffee as well as it’s punk mindset for keeping the Square Mile caffeinated.
Now we are down to just 12 contenders, with Lazy Coffee founder Matthew Staite stepping in as a judge for this year’s awards. We are looking for a coffee shop that offers superb coffee in a relaxed but buzzy environment, with excellent, friendly service and a great selection of cafe-style food.
Hermanos Colombian Coffee Roasters certainly delivers on those – with innovative single-origin coffees available alongside an unrivalled selection of snacks, ranging from pastries to Colombian specialities such as decadent cheese breads. Located inside the Muro building – a sleek, modern space a short stroll from Aldgate East and Tower Hill – it is perfect for both coffee lovers and those looking for a calm spot to work
Our head judge Steve Dinneen, who happens to live down the road from the Blackhorse Lane venue, says the coffee is “some of the best in London”. He said: “Of all the Finalists on our list this year, Hermanos Colombian Coffee Roasters is the one I have visited most often. The coffee is a delight and the service is always on point. I can’t spoil the winner but I can say Hermanos did very well on my voting form!”
Hermanos says it pays over Fairtrade prices for its green beans, which it ships to London to roast. It works with washed and naturally processed coffees, along with other styles, often highlighting the work of the individual farmers behind its coffees.