Market Coffee House | An Independent Gem in the Heart of Spitalfields

Editorial Team

SOAS Creative Dept.

June 29, 2026 /
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An Independent Gem in the Heart of Spitalfields.

Located across from the vibrant Spitalfields Market in East London, Market Coffee House feels like a reprieve from the at-times chaotic neighbourhood it resides in.

Opened in 2001 by Peter and Kay Sinden, the business prides itself on being wholly independent and delivering some of the finest hospitality you’ll find in the area. Operating out of the oldest Wren-era building in Spitalfields, Market Coffee House works with a carefully curated roster of merchants to ensure a selection of beer, wine and ingredients from independent purveyors that you truly won’t find anywhere else.

A favourite spot of ours at SON OF A STAG for a while now, we made the short walk over to highlight just some of the things we love about this fellow independent. 

Making an Entrance.

When entering Market Coffee House, before even taking a sip of wine or a bite of food, you’re immediately struck by the building itself.

Beyond the classical signage on the dark red facade lies a rich wooden interior that exudes old-school charm; dried flowers hang from the ceiling, old photographs cover every inch of space on the walls, and mismatched furniture gives the space an inviting personality missing from so many of the restaurants opening in London.

Walking around the bar, you’re greeted by a cosy alcove of red leather booths lit by subtle, warm lights; an ideal spot for a late-night dinner.

Opening up the Space.

Upstairs opens up into something brighter, with a secondary dining room lit by skylight and decorated with colourful, large-scale canvases providing the perfect space for larger groups.

The green panelling feels airy and light, but the charm of downstairs still carries through the interior design.

The self-described ‘jewel in the crown’, though, is Market Coffee House’s private dining room; a space lined with floor-to-ceiling panelling that dates back to 1670, and the reason for the building’s listed status. A large table seats sixteen, and a fire is lit on winter days.

A Place to Dine.

The space isn’t the main event, though, as lovely as it is. The real star of the show is, of course, the food and drinks. Peter and Kay work hard to source a majority of their stock and ingredients from independent, small-batch purveyors, something that’s become increasingly difficult since Brexit, but is at the core of the business.

A rotating list of French wines and a seasonal menu make each trip special, and we were lucky enough to taste some of Market Coffee House’s delicious small plates.

The deceptively understated asparagus was paired with brown butter hollandaise, and a boiled egg was the fan favourite. At the same time, the baby beet and goat’s cheese salad was another standout, but we found the tuna and salmon tartare to be the best example of what the restaurant can do. Fresh ingredients are used in a way that highlights everything on the plate without exception. This ethos of good, clean cooking can be felt through every decision made by the kitchen, and it makes for some fantastic meals.

We find ourselves returning to Market Coffee House frequently, not just because of the quality food and inviting atmosphere, but because of the hospitality too. In a city that feels like it’s being overwhelmed by chains, it’s refreshing to enter a true family business — and we’re always happy to see another independent doing well in the area!