Abuelo: Ethically Sourced Coffee Spot in London
Abuelo is an independent café with two prominent London locations—Covent Garden and Marylebone. Founded by mother-daughter duo Lynette and Cloe de la Vega, the café reflects their Argentinian and Australian heritage. The name “Abuelo,” meaning “grandfather” in Spanish, symbolises tradition and family warmth. With Lynette’s extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Abuelo is built on a strong foundation of welcoming, thoughtful service, creating a unique space in the speciality coffee and brunch market.
Abuelo combines a relaxed yet purposeful approach to hospitality with meticulously designed interiors. By blending the welcoming nature of Australian café culture with the rich coffee traditions of Latin America, Abuelo offers a space where guests can enjoy an elevated yet accessible experience. Offering ethically sourced coffee, fresh seasonal dishes, and a carefully curated atmosphere, Abuelo appeals to those who value quality, sustainability, and comfort.
Sustainable Bean-to-Cup Coffee
One of the pillars of Abuelo’s identity is its dedication to craft coffee. The café exclusively uses single-origin beans from Latin America, rated by the Specialty Coffee Association for their exceptional quality. Each bean is sustainably and ethically sourced, ensuring that farmers receive fair compensation for their work. Abuelo’s coffee is roasted in partnership with the Wogan family, a third-generation roastery based in Bristol. Since 1970, the Wogan Roastery has focused on traditional methods while incorporating modern sustainability initiatives. Their commitment to reducing carbon emissions includes installing solar panels, adopting electric vehicles, and using energy-efficient equipment. They also utilise restored vintage coffee roasters to minimise waste and optimise energy use. Packaging is made from recyclable materials, aligning with their eco-friendly approach.
Supporting Local and Ethical Partnerships
In addition to offering high-quality coffee, Abuelo actively supports Latin American farming communities. Through direct trade relationships, the café ensures that farmers are paid fair prices while also receiving subsidies for health, education, and infrastructure. This support encourages innovation and long-term sustainability for the farms. The café provides customers with detailed information about the origins of its beans, ensuring transparency and fostering an appreciation for the journey behind each cup of coffee.
Abuelo’s food menu focuses on Australian-style brunch dishes prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The dishes emphasise natural flavours while incorporating unique twists that reflect the café’s distinctive character. Abuelo collaborates with small-scale producers to source its ingredients, ensuring exceptional quality and sustainability. Dairy products come from Estate Dairy, while honey is provided by Happy Bee Honey, and goat cheese is sourced from Windrush Valley Goat Dairy Farm. These partnerships ensure the best quality for customers and support local, passionate producers.
The Marylebone location expands its offerings in the evenings, transitioning into a venue that serves natural wines, bespoke cocktails, and small sharing plates. The cocktails are developed in collaboration with Tayer + Elementary, a bar recognised as one of the world’s top five establishments. On Saturday nights, the ambiance is further elevated with live DJ performances, making it a vibrant space for social gatherings.
Each Abuelo location has its own unique character, shaped by thoughtful design and a focus on sustainability. The Covent Garden café, opened in 2018, is located within a Grade II heritage-listed building constructed in 1720. The design carefully balances the building’s historical features with modern elements, creating a timeless yet contemporary atmosphere. The interior is characterised by earthy colours and warm natural materials, which include hand-made terracotta tiles, a bespoke rug, and a fireplace. The focal point of the dining area is a long bespoke table surrounded by antique Australian chairs. The counters and fireplace are made from NSW Spotted Gum timber, a durable material chosen for its visual appeal and sustainability. Large oil paintings by Robert Klein Boonschate, depicting Australian landscapes, adorn the walls, while textiles such as rugs and cushions are sourced from Pampa. This brand collaborates with Argentinian artisans to preserve traditional weaving techniques and support local communities.
The Marylebone location takes inspiration from the 1970s, with a more minimalist and calming aesthetic. The space features timber-paneled walls, red quarry tiles, and vintage furniture, including Bruno Rey and Gjis Bakker chairs. The dining tables have uniquely designed stacked legs, adding an element of creativity to the otherwise simple interiors. The counter is constructed from off-cut marble and stone, emphasising the café’s commitment to reducing material waste. Lighting fixtures, sourced from the Netherlands, complement the warm, retro ambiance of the space.
Both Abuelo locations accommodate private events and group bookings. The Covent Garden café can host up to thirty guests on its outdoor terrace or twelve guests at its indoor dining table. The Marylebone venue can accommodate up to forty people for daytime or evening events. During the festive season, Abuelo offers Christmas bookings, allowing customers to celebrate in a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
Strategic note
Abuelo stands out for its intentional design and a clear focus on quality. The café sources single-origin Latin American coffee through sustainable, direct-trade partnerships, ensuring transparency and fair compensation for farmers. Its seasonal food menu relies on small-scale, ethical producers, offering fresh dishes that reflect a balance of Australian and Argentinian influences. Each location, from Covent Garden’s heritage-listed space to Marylebone’s minimalist aesthetic, combines thoughtful interiors with sustainable materials, creating a distinct and purposeful customer experience.
