Tamping Grounds

Usman and Zak run this welcoming and popular coffee shop serving a variety of pastries and cakes, as well as toasties. They also sell freshly baked bread sourced from Leytonstone or Hackney. Tamping Grounds also has a branch at 179 Francis Road, E10 6NQ, and has now opened at Stone Mini Market, 721 High Road Leytonstone, London E11 4RD.

Sustainability is at the heart of their business. The coffee is from Fireheart, a certified B Corp. This accreditation indicates that they reach a high standard of social and environmental performance. For example, in this case, they make sure that the farmers who grow the coffee receive a decent living wage. https://bcorporation.uk/

All packaging used is recyclable, and much of it, including takeaway cups and lids, is compostable. They sell tote bags for customers to use and re-use. Where possible, items are re-used rather than recycled. Cardboard packaging is passed on to a local company that re-uses it. In the case of plastic milk tops, one of the few plastic items passing through Tamping Grounds, these are given to a local man who recycles them to make incense holders, which are also sold in the shop.

All staff live locally, and most use public transport, or walk or cycle to work. A car is only used for unavoidable journeys between the two shops.

The shops are child and dog friendly.