As voting enters its final round for the 2026 Toast the City Awards — City AM's annual celebration of the best hospitality and retail the Square Mile has to offer — City AM caught up with several of the finalists. Among them is Rosslyn Coffee co-founder James Hennebry, whose City of London locations at Ludgate Circus and London Wall have both been nominated in the Best Coffee category.

What sets London Wall and Ludgate Circus apart from the competition?

When Rosslyn launched in the City of London, the ambition was to help make the Square Mile — the historic heart of Britain's financial industry and one of the most densely concentrated workplace districts in the world — the world's foremost destination for high-volume specialty coffee. Eight years and 10 sites later, Hennebry believes that vision has become reality — achieved alongside the company's team, suppliers, and guests. He considers London ahead of Tokyo, New York, Paris, and anywhere else in terms of what local workers can access on their coffee break. London Wall and Ludgate Circus are at the forefront of that success, something Hennebry says the team is deeply proud of. Their formula, he says, is consistently nailing the basics: warm hospitality serving exceptional coffee at pace.

How would regulars describe Rosslyn Coffee in three words?

World Class Hospitality.

What does Rosslyn Coffee do better than anyone else?

Rosslyn continues to nail the basics better than anyone in the global coffee scene, Hennebry says. "Warm hospitality with exceptional coffee at pace" may sound simple, but achieving it consistently, day in and day out, is challenging — to the extent that no other establishment matches the volume of coffee Rosslyn produces at its standard.

What has been the biggest challenge running a business in the City over the last year?

While the City has rebounded since Covid, activity is now concentrated into a three-day week, which can make staffing a challenge. The shift reflects a broader transformation across central London, where widespread adoption of hybrid working has compressed the traditional five-day office week, creating peaks and troughs that hospitality businesses must navigate.

And the biggest opportunity?

People still love great coffee and great hospitality, Hennebry says, and he believes they always will.

How has the Square Mile changed since Rosslyn Coffee opened its first site?

Monday-to-Friday foot traffic has effectively been compressed into Tuesday through Thursday.

What is a small detail you obsess over that customers might not notice?

There are thousands of such details, Hennebry says. The "one per cent-ers" across every aspect of the business are what make Rosslyn stand out. His philosophy: how you do one thing is how you do everything.

What is the most memorable feedback you have received from a customer?

One guest named their first child after Rosslyn — a compliment Hennebry will not forget.

Who is your typical customer?

Rosslyn attracts a wide range of guests, from coffee enthusiasts to day tourists. However, Hennebry identifies the go-getting City worker as the largest demographic. They understand quality, they know what it is, and they want it at pace.

What trend is Rosslyn Coffee embracing — and which is it ignoring?

Rosslyn has zero concern for trends and is interested only in what tastes good. Chasing trends inevitably leads to falling out of trend, Hennebry explains. Instead, the company focuses on being "on brand," which means exceptional hospitality with great coffee at pace. That approach has turned Rosslyn into the leading collection of high-volume specialty coffee shops in the world.

Which other City venues do you rate highly?

Hennebry highlights several. Sweetings immediately comes to mind — he calls it a proper institution and says he is grateful for its existence. He also admires The Ned and what it contributes to the Square Mile, noting that the sheer scale of what they have achieved is incredibly impressive.

What does a perfect day in the Square Mile look like to you?

Hennebry starts his day early with a run before jumping on the bar to work alongside the team at one of Rosslyn's sites. He still loves the buzz of hospitality. After a couple of hours, he settles behind his laptop at Rosslyn's new HQ in the iconic Leadenhall Market. Lunch is typically from Salad Project, whose success has been inspiring. Afternoons are reserved for meetings, and after work, he finishes the day at BXR's gym on the 25th floor of 22 Bishopsgate, which offers incredible views across the whole of London.

What do you like to have on your morning toast?

Plenty of butter and some apricot jam.