Proper Coffee

Knockbox coffeeClerkenwell, London

EverydayThe everyday answer

-37 Clerkenwell Rd0.2 mi from Clerkenwell centrelast reviewed May 2026

A Clerkenwell independent named after a barista's tool, which tells you the espresso is the point. The house blend is worth the stop.

The name is the brief, and Clerkenwell is better for it.

4.5★★★★½(87)
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What we love

  • House espresso blend, praised by regulars for balance
  • Cortado and macchiato on the menu alongside longer formats
  • Decaf long black available; black coffee formats taken seriously

Location

35-37 Clerkenwell Rd, London EC1M 5RS, UK

0.2 mi from Clerkenwell centre

From the Journal

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Colonna & Small's★★★ Purist

The London branch of Colonna Coffee, where Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood's three UK Barista Championships translate into three rotating single-origin filters and a separate espresso track. The barista will help you choose; order the Pulsar-brewed filter.

Prufrock Coffee★★★ Purist

Depending on the week, the filter board is La Cabra, Tim Wendelboe, or Coffee Collective. A guest espresso slot runs alongside the house programme, with baristas who know both well enough to make the case for either.

Sofu Coffee★★ Specialty

A Japanese-influenced Clerkenwell bar where a Bao-alumni pastry chef's matcha canelé is on the counter and the espresso comes in ceramics. The coffee earns its company.

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