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Islington4.8 / 5FCT recommendation

Pophams Islington

An Islington institution where laminated pastries meet Scandinavian precision. The bacon maple swirl is already a London classic.

Get directions
19 Prebend Street, London N1 8PF
ArsenalPastryBacon Maple SwirlIslingtonScandinavian

The spot

Why go here?

Pophams is the reason people queue on Prebend Street. Opened in 2017, this corner bakery has become one of the most talked-about spots in Islington for one simple reason: the pastries are genuinely exceptional. Everything is baked in house daily, from croissants and sourdough to their legendary bacon maple swirl.

  • 19 Prebend Street, a short walk south from the Emirates
  • The bacon maple swirl: house-cured bacon, maple syrup, laminated pastry
  • Croissants, seasonal fruit danishes and fresh sourdough daily
  • Serious coffee and a small brunch menu until early afternoon
  • Pophams Home & Pantry next door at 21 Prebend Street for retail
  • Opens at 7:30am on weekdays, 8am on Saturdays

Best moment to visit

Saturday morning before an Arsenal kick-off

  • Joining the queue as the bakery opens
  • The first bite of a warm bacon maple swirl
  • A flat white at the counter while the pastry case fills up
  • Walking north to the Emirates with a paper bag of bakes

Heads up: the queue builds fast after 9am on weekends. Arrive early or be prepared to wait.

On the menu

What to order

Drinks

  • Flat white
  • Batch brew
  • Natural wine if you are staying

Food

  • Bacon maple swirl
  • Croissant
  • Seasonal fruit danish
  • Sourdough loaf to take home

Who is it for?

Perfect for

  • Arsenal fans who want a pastry-first matchday
  • Early risers who queue for the best bakes in N1
  • Weekend visitors building a food-focused London trip
  • Anyone who believes a croissant is worth travelling for
  • Coffee drinkers who care about the pastry as much as the brew
Suggested matchday itinerary
  1. 8:00Step 1

    Queue at Pophams

    Get in early for the bacon maple swirl and a flat white.

  2. 8:45Step 2

    Walk to the Emirates

    Head north through Islington, roughly 15 to 20 minutes on foot.

  3. 11:00Step 3

    Pre-match atmosphere

    The Tollington or the Twelve Pins for a pint before kick-off.

  4. 12:30Step 4

    Kick-off

    In your seat at the Emirates, properly fuelled.

Local tip 🇬🇧

The Home & Pantry next door sells retail bread, preserves and pantry goods. Grab a sourdough loaf on your way out for the rest of the weekend.

Why FootballCityTrip recommends it

Pophams is the best bakery in Islington and a perfect Arsenal matchday start. Come for the bacon maple swirl, stay for the coffee, then walk to the Emirates.

On video

See it for yourself

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In pictures

The neighbourhood & the spot

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Nearest club

Arsenal

Emirates Stadium

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