Sam’s Cafe is known as a Primrose Hill gem that’s settled on Chalcot Road, on the corner with Fitzroy Road, opposite the Princess of Wales. Sam’s Cafe has recently started a new era with their wonderful new manager, Emma Hopkin. She was attracted to Sam’s Cafe’s community-led spirit and is relishing her new role.
1. What attracted you to Sam’s Café?
I wanted to spend the final chapter of my hospitality career working in a small, community-led café close to home. Somewhere I could build a real sense of connection, foster relationships with regulars and feel part of the community. Ultimately, I love people, and hospitality has always been about far more than just serving food and drink for me.
2. What do you love about Primrose Hill?
The architecture is beautiful, but it’s the people who really make Primrose Hill special. There’s a wonderful sense of community, and I love that it’s an area that actively champions and supports independent businesses. It feels like a place where local cafés and businesses genuinely matter to the people who live here.
3. What are your ambitions for Sam’s Café?
I’m keen to grow the events side of the business, creating more opportunities for celebrations and introducing new people to Sam’s Café. We’re excited to be bringing back our community supper clubs, with the first taking place this week on 1st October.
We also have a matcha workshop planned for half-term, giving older children and their parents the opportunity to explore the art, preparation and ceremony behind matcha.
Art, music, literature and food are at the heart of Sam’s, alongside the everyday café service we provide. I’d love to continue building on that identity and make the café a place where people come together, discover something new and feel part of something.
4. How have you found your time at Sam’s so far?
It’s been wonderful. I’ve really enjoyed connecting with our regulars and building relationships with the wider community. We’ve also made some positive improvements to our service standards, and the feedback from customers has been encouraging. It’s rewarding to see those changes making a difference to the overall experience.
5. Tell us something people might not know about you?
I’m not actually a Londoner! I was raised on the Isle of Man, so I’m Manx. 🇮🇲 It’s a little piece of home that I carry with me, even though I’ve spent much of my working life in London.
Find out more about Sam’s Cafe here: Sam’s Cafe
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