Perky Blenders owners on newest shop in Hoe Street, Walthamstow

Victoria and Adam Cozens founded Perky Blenders in 2015 starting with a small coffee cart and only six weeks ago opened their newest outlet.

The couple moved to Walthamstow in 2009 and spotted a gap in the market a few years later.

“We saw a lot of change around us and it was exciting – it’s such a creative area so it gave us a huge amount of inspiration,” said Victoria.

“We looked at a lot of ideas and then realised there was a golden gap in the market for getting a really good coffee in the area.

Victoria and Adam Cozens started Perky Blenders in 2015 (Image: Perky Blenders) “We initially thought we’d buy roasted coffee from traders in London and blend them ourselves but we quickly realised we needed control of our products so we bought a roaster and put it in the garden.”

Victoria explained that they started with a cart outside St James Street station before moving into their first brick and mortar location in Leytonstone station shortly after.

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“It hit the ground running and helped fuel our growth,” she said.

“So many people seemed grateful to have good coffee at that end of the high street.

“It really is the people of Waltham Forest that we have to thank for our growth – everybody got behind us and championed us.

Perky Blenders now has six coffee shops and five in Waltham Forest (Image: Perky Blenders) “We’ve now got six stores and five in Waltham Forest alone and we’re incredibly proud.”

The most recent store opening was at the start of May when Perky Blenders at 274 Hoe Street opened its doors for the first time.

According to Victoria, this branch has a large retail space which will be used to stock products from other nearby independent brands like hot sauces, olive oils and spreads.

The shop is having an official opening event on June 19 with a ribbon-cutting by Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy.

There will be an opening event on June 19 at the Hoe Street branch (Image: Perky Blenders) “We opened about six weeks ago but did it softly and found our feet first,” said Victoria.

A vital component of Perky Blenders, according to Victoria, is the ethical and sustainable supply chain.

“Our coffee is roasted in the borough, its above Fairtrade and speciality grade,” she said.

Victoria places great importance on the ethicality of their supply chain (Image: Perky Blenders) “We’re working with producers that we have full traceability with and people can really trust what we’re doing and our values.

“When you come into our stores, you’re made to feel welcome and part of our family and we’re so proud to welcome you in and serve you our coffee.”

As well as having multiple coffee shops, Perky Blenders offers a subscription where coffee beans and blends can be delivered across the country.

“It’s really nice with our subscription service, people have moved away from the area but managed to take a bit of east London with them – people often say to us ‘I’ve moved out of the area but I can still get my Perky’.

“We’ve also got a network of customers buying our coffee in wholesale.”