Urth Caffé is expanding its footprint to the United Kingdom, with a new location planned for Covent Garden in London scheduled to open in early 2027, according to company announcements. The Southern California chain, known for its organic coffee and heavy foot traffic in cities like Los Angeles, shared the news on Instagram with the caption, “London is calling… and Urth Caffé has answered,” describing the district as a natural fit for its blend of old and new traditions.
Origins on Melrose Avenue
Founded by husband-and-wife team Jilla and Shallom Berkman, Urth Caffé started with a focus on organic, high-quality, and sustainably sourced coffee. The first location opened in Manhattan Beach in 1991 before moving to a larger space on Melrose Avenue in 1994. According to historical company background, that Melrose location grew into a bohemian neighborhood destination and cultural corridor in Los Angeles throughout the 1990s, eventually expanding to West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica.
Menu Staples and Hollywood Visibility
Over the decades, the brand built a menu featuring organic coffee, large salads with ingredients like kale, avocado, and grilled chicken, as well as boba teas and oversized desserts. According to regional reporting, the cafes gained broader cultural visibility through appearances on television series such as HBO’s Entourage, cementing their status as popular people-watching spots for local residents and tourists alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When will the London Urth Caffé open? The Covent Garden location is scheduled to open in early 2027.
- Who founded Urth Caffé? The chain was founded by Jilla and Shallom Berkman.
- Where was the first location? The very first café opened in Manhattan Beach, California, in 1991, before moving to Melrose Avenue in 1994.