Syd's coffee stall

Syd's Coffee Stall[edit | edit source]

Syd's Coffee Stall is a historic coffee shop located in Shoreditch, London, England. It was established in 1919 by Sydney Edward Tothill, known as Syd, and has been serving customers for over a century. The stall is renowned for its traditional British cuisine, including bacon sandwiches and cups of tea.

History[edit | edit source]

Syd's Coffee Stall was founded by Sydney Edward Tothill, who used his war gratuity to purchase a custom-made, mahogany, glass, and brass stall. The stall was built by a coachbuilder named Albert Tolman in Oxford. It was then transported to Shoreditch, where it has remained in the same location on Calvert Avenue since its establishment.

Syd's Coffee Stall has been passed down through generations of the Tothill family. After Syd, his daughter, Jane, took over the business, followed by her son, Tim. The stall has been a constant presence in the ever-changing landscape of Shoreditch, serving workers, residents, and visitors alike.

Menu[edit | edit source]

The menu at Syd's Coffee Stall is simple and traditional. It includes bacon sandwiches, sausage sandwiches, and egg sandwiches, all served on fresh bread. The stall also offers a variety of hot drinks, including tea, coffee, and hot chocolate. Despite the changes in the surrounding area, the menu at Syd's has remained largely unchanged, reflecting its commitment to traditional British cuisine.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Syd's Coffee Stall is considered a local landmark and a symbol of the area's history. It is one of the oldest surviving coffee stalls in London and possibly the UK. In 2019, the stall celebrated its 100th anniversary, marking a century of service to the Shoreditch community.

Closure[edit | edit source]

In December 2019, Syd's Coffee Stall closed its doors for the last time. The decision was made by the third-generation owner, Tim, who cited changing times and a decline in business as reasons for the closure. The stall was donated to the Museum of London, where it will be preserved as a piece of the city's history.