Celebrating Community, Sustainability, and Summer Flavours at Franze & Evans
As we welcome the transition from spring into summer, there's something magical happening in the London food scene that perfectly embodies what we've always stood for at Franze & Evans. From our family-run café in Shoreditch to our community connections across Hackney, we're witnessing a beautiful convergence of sustainability, local partnerships, and that quintessentially British appreciation for seasonal dining.
The Season of Fresh Beginnings
This weekend marks a perfect moment to celebrate the incredible seasonal bounty now gracing our tables. British strawberries are reaching their peak sweetness, while rhubarb continues its vibrant spring presence. Our kitchen is buzzing with excitement as we incorporate freshly harvested asparagus, elderflowers, and the season's first tender peas into our daily-changing menu.
What's on our seasonal radar right now:
Sweet, juicy British strawberries perfect for our signature bespoke cakes
Crisp asparagus spears ideal for our weekend brunch specials
Fragrant elderflowers adding floral notes to our cold-pressed juices
New potatoes bringing earthy comfort to our hearty salads
Fresh peas and broad beans celebrating early summer's arrival
The beauty of cooking with seasonal ingredients isn't just about flavor—though the difference is remarkable. It's about connecting with the rhythm of our local landscape and supporting the growers who share our commitment to quality and sustainability.
Community Cafés Leading the Way
London's café culture in 2025 has evolved into something truly special. We're inspired by the wave of community-focused cafés opening across the capital, from Camden's new community café tackling food waste to the innovative zero-waste initiatives in Islington and Brent. These projects reflect values we've held dear since opening our doors in 2008: the belief that food should bring people together while caring for our planet.
At Franze & Evans, we've always been more than just a café—we're a gathering place where the Shoreditch and Hackney communities can connect over expertly crafted coffee and lovingly prepared food. This community-centric approach is now being recognized as essential to London's food future, and we couldn't be prouder to be part of this movement.
Embracing Sustainable Food Trends
The trends defining London's dining scene this year align perfectly with our family values:
Plant-Based Innovation: Our kitchen continues to expand plant-based options, from colorful Buddha bowls to creative avocado toast variations topped with seasonal vegetables and our homemade pestos.
Zero-Waste Cooking: Following the lead of London's progressive food partnerships, we're minimizing waste by using whole vegetables, transforming day-old bread into delicious croutons, and composting all organic matter.
Local Sourcing: Our relationships with trusted local suppliers ensure every ingredient tells a story of quality and community connection.
Seasonal Menu Design: Rather than static offerings, our daily specials reflect what's growing and thriving in British soil right now.
The Art of Al Fresco Dining
As London's outdoor dining season officially begins, we're reminded why our Shoreditch location is so special. The energy of Redchurch Street, combined with the growing trend toward outdoor café culture, creates the perfect backdrop for long, leisurely brunches and afternoon coffee dates.
Whether you're catching up with friends over our famous smashed avocado toast or enjoying a quiet moment with our artisan coffee, there's something about dining outdoors that transforms a simple meal into a memorable experience. The London coffee scene has embraced this outdoor culture, with cafés across the city creating beautiful terraces and garden spaces that celebrate both community and seasonality.
Looking Ahead: Summer Menu Inspirations
As we transition into June, our culinary team is already experimenting with exciting new combinations that celebrate summer's approaching abundance:
Strawberry & Elderflower Pancakes: Bringing together two of the season's most beloved flavors
Asparagus & New Potato Frittata: Perfect for weekend brunch sharing
Seasonal Salad Bowls: Featuring British broad beans, fresh peas, and garden herbs
Cold-Pressed Seasonal Juices: Highlighting the natural sweetness of early summer fruits
The Franze & Evans Difference
What makes us special isn't just our commitment to quality ingredients or our family-run approach—it's our deep connection to the evolving London food community. As independent cafés face challenges, we're strengthened by our roots in Shoreditch and our relationships with local food lovers who understand that great coffee and thoughtful food can be a force for positive change.
From our daily-baked quiches to our signature cakes, everything we create reflects our belief that food should be crafted with care, sourced responsibly, and shared with joy. This philosophy resonates with the broader London food scene's shift toward sustainability, community engagement, and authentic experiences.
Visit Us This Season
As we embrace the longer days and warmer weather, we invite you to experience the best of what late spring and early summer have to offer. Whether you're a Shoreditch regular or discovering us for the first time, our doors are open for walk-ins ready to savor seasonal flavors in a setting that celebrates both tradition and innovation.
Join us for brunch, bring friends for afternoon coffee, or simply stop by to taste what's fresh, local, and lovingly prepared. At Franze & Evans, every season brings new opportunities to connect, taste, and celebrate the incredible community we're proud to serve.
Franze & Evans is open Monday to Friday 9am-6pm, and Saturday to Sunday 9:30am-7pm at 101 Redchurch Street, Shoreditch. Walk-ins welcome—no reservations needed.
