Trade Made café to open in Swain's Lane near Hampstead Heath

Alex Stone, a former Highgate School pupil, had tried twice before to open a branch of Trade Made in Swain's Lane.

He now hopes to open in the former Wine Cellar unit in Swain's Lane in June.

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"We're really excited," he said. "It's actually the third shop along Swain's Lane that I've tried to get hold of. We lost out to Gail's many years ago, then we lost out to the Duke of St Albans and it just feels like fate because it's a lovely shop size and nice position right next to the Heath."

Trade Made is taking over the former Wine Cellar on Swain's Lane and has applied for an alcohol licence to serve alongside artisan sandwiches and speciality coffee (Image: Nathalie Raffray)

Alex originally set up the business with his late father-in-law, and now runs it with his mother-in-law Marion Boltman.

The family opened their first cafe in Commercial Street, Spitalfields, in 2013, followed by others in Essex Road, Islington, in 2017 and Old Street, Islington, two years later.

He said the new branch's menu would be tailored to the Hampstead and Highgate community and would include the chain's speciality coffee and artisan sandwiches.

One of Trade Mark's speciality pastrami sandwiches (Image: Jeremy Freedman)

"We cure and smoke our own pastramis and do American-style deli sandwiches, interesting brunches, golden yolks, and hopefully really friendly people as well," he added.

The cafe has also applied for a licence to serve craft beer and cocktails.

Trade Made grinds its own speciality coffee (Image: Jeremy Freedman)

Trade Made joins several other cafes nearby including Roni's next door and Bistro Laz opposite.

Also on the parade is the Duke St Albans pub, Lola's Bar, Superette, Kalendar, Gails, London Shell Co and Citro, pizza place.

"I think there's enough business for everybody," Alex added. "It's a lovely little neighbourhood area, a nice villagey feel, we're independent and having an independent business is really nice.

Golden scrambled eggs on toast is on Trade Made's menu as well as artisan sandwiches and American deli style food (Image: Jeremy Freedman)

"It's really nice also as my old school friend Harry Lobek has the London Shell Company round the corner as well, so Highgate boys taking over the corner there."

He was surprised to learn that Duke's of St Albans co-owner Anselm Chatwin is also a former Highgate pupil.

"Oh right, it really is an old boy's club of Old Cholmeleians there then," he added. 

Daniel Outram, who leads the Swain's Lane Community Facebook page, said: "The Swains Lane Retail Forum wasn't involved in the selection of this tenant, but wish them the very best, and look forward to tasting their coffee!"