Campbell & Syme: Specialty Coffee with a Sustainable Heart

Nestled in the friendly neighbourhood of East Finchley, Campbell & Syme Coffee Roasters has established itself as a cornerstone of North London's specialty coffee scene since opening in 2012. Founded by Joe Syme and his mother Patricia, this intimate café and roastery embodies a perfect blend of coffee expertise, community spirit, and environmental consciousness.

A Roastery with Purpose

What sets Campbell & Syme apart is their unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability. Their journey began as a café in East Finchley before expanding to include a dedicated roastery in Kings Langley. In 2025, they made a significant upgrade to an IMF RM20 roaster, which uses hot air convection rather than traditional drum roasting, resulting in more consistent bean development and significantly reduced emissions.

Coffee Experience

The café offers an impressive range of brewing methods, including espresso-based drinks and multiple filter options. Visitors can typically choose between two different single-origin espressos and three different filter coffees (two hand-poured and one batch brew), with seasonal rotations that showcase the best of each harvest.

Beyond the Cup

Campbell & Syme's menu extends beyond exceptional coffee to include seasonal toasties, open sandwiches, granola, and house-baked goods. Their toasted banana bread with butter comes highly recommended by regulars and staff alike.

Environmental Commitment

The roastery actively participates in several sustainability initiatives, including:

• One Tree Planted: Donating £1 for every 1kg of coffee sold to plant trees in coffee-growing regions
• Bio-Bean: Recycling used coffee grounds into fuel and other products
• Project Waterfall: Supporting clean water initiatives in coffee-growing communities
• Reusable Packaging: Implementing a 60% reduction in packaging materials through reusable containers

With its genuine village atmosphere and strong community connections, Campbell & Syme exemplifies how a local coffee shop can make a global impact while serving exceptional coffee with a smile.