A pilgrimage for pastry at Pophams Bakery Islington

Pophams Bakery isn’t exactly round the corner from me. It takes over an hour to get to Islington, and yet, when the pastry cravings hit, I find myself pulling on my coat and heading north. Because once you start picturing flaky marmite rolls and rhubarb Danishes in your mind, there’s really no way out of it. You just have to go.

And I’m always glad I do. There’s something about Islington I never tire of. I don’t come often enough, but when I do, it always feels like a little treat. It’s a charm London nook, home to some seriously good food.

Pophams is part of that Islington charm. It’s a bakery that’s practically become a cult, known for its golden laminated pastries, rich savoury rolls and excellent coffee. So I grab a window seat, order a cappuccino and start my usual pastry deliberations.

Quick info on Pophams Bakery in Islington

• Restaurant: Pophams Bakery
• Location: Islington, London
• Must-order: Rhubarb danish, marmite and schlossberger roll
• Coffee: Very good
• When to go: Mornings or early afternoons to avoid the queue
• Skip: Nothing so far, but some items are seasonal so check before you travel

Read our Pophams Bakery restaurant review to find out more.

Rhubarb Danish – an excellent seasonal special

Rating – 5/5

Pophams Bakery in Islington often run seasonal special pastries, and the rhubard danish is one of them. So you best believe I pounce on it when I see it.

It’s got all the layers of a classic laminated pastry, golden, flaky, and with that satisfying crunch when you bite in. In the centre is a vivid rhubarb compote, spiced with cardamom and orange peel. It has that gorgeous zingy, frizzante taste. On top is a honey and oat cake disc, with a pink peppercorn creme diplomat on top. It’s topped with a rhubard puree and a flurry of pink pepper icing sugar.

I mean, how amazing does that sound!? It’s possibly the most complex danish pastry I’ve ever had.

The oat cake evokes thoughts of a breakfast parfait, which is fresh, unexpected, and totally delicious.

This has got to be one of the best things to order from the menu at Pophams Bakery in Islington.

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Honey and smoked salt bun – very good but not the best

Rating – 4/5

Pophams’ honey and smoked salt bun looks simple, but comes with a bit of drama.

First, you get the sweet hit of honey, silky and full. Then the delicate exterior crunch. And then, just when you think it’s all sunshine, in comes the soft flicker of smoked salt. It’s beautifully balanced and if you like your sweetness mellowed with a little savoury edge, you’ll love this.

Also, it’s gorgeous to look at. Twisted, golden, glossy. Like a honey-glazed halo.

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Marmite and schlossberger cheese roll – savoury goodness

Rating – 5/5

Even if you’re a Marmite sceptic, hear me out. This pastry is excellent. It’s also on the permanent menu at Pophams Bakery in Islington, so you can be sure to get it.

The exterior is crisp and golden, the inside is soft and almost bread-like, more focaccia than croissant, with just enough chew.

The aged Schlossberger cheese hits you first with its rich, nutty, sharp taste. Then comes the Marmite, deep and moody, rounding everything out with its umami swagger.

It’s a flavour bomb, in a very good way.

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Cappuccino

Rating – 4/5

Coffee at Pophams Bakery in Islington isn’t just an afterthought.

The cappuccino at Pophams is strong, slightly sharp (in a good way), with deep, roasty notes and lots of smooth foam. It goes down perfectly with the sweetness of the pastries.

There’s no hint of bitterness, just a perfectly smooth cup of joe.

The space at Pophams Islington

Pophams Islington is small but smart. Inside, there are two large tables, and a few counter seats that face the window — prime for people-watching, if you ask me.

Outside, there’s communal seating around wooden table, and on dry days, it’s where you want to be. But for now, I’m warm inside, watching the drizzle hit the glass, coffee in hand.

It’s not just a bakery here at Pophams. It’s a whole mood.

The menu at Pophams Bakery

Pastries are where Pophams Bakery really shine. You’ll find seasonal specials like the rhubarb Danish, alongside recurring favourites like the Marmite and Schlossberger roll.

The honey and smoked salt bun is a signature, and there are always a few savouries if you’re not after sugar. Think tomato and feta twists and sausage rolls.

There’s bread too – sourdoughs, ciabattas, and baguettes – plus a growing list of sandwiches. Pophams is a bakery, but with ambition.

Final thoughts on Pophams Bakery in Islington

Pophams Bakery in Islington has range. It’s not a one hit wonder bakery doing pretty things for Instagram. The flavours are clever and complex, and the pastry technique is obvious. And the coffee is good enough that I’d drink it even without the carbs.

So yes, the hype is deserved. And if it takes me over an hour to get here, well, I’ll just call it a pilgrimage. For pastry this good? Worth it every time.

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Pophams Bakery in Islington restaurant review
Address – 19 Prebend St, London N1 8PF
Nearest Tube – Angel