Serving East Finchley since 1991
Our story
Some places simply belong to their street. For more than three decades, this little corner of East Finchley has been where the neighbourhood comes to eat, to talk and to feel at home.
It all began in 1991 with Star Burger and The Local: honest, freshly cooked food, a sizzling grill and a friendly face behind the counter. True to the name, The Local was a place for regulars, where familiar orders were remembered and conversations over a cup of tea ran a little longer than planned.
In 2007 a new chapter opened as New Local Cafe. Fresh in spirit but faithful to its roots, it kept welcoming the same families, early commuters and Saturday-morning friends, along with a whole new generation of East Finchley locals.
Then came 2020. After the long, quiet months of Covid-19, when so many doors on our high streets stayed closed, this one opened again with renewed hope as Cup of Joy. That is exactly how we want every visit to feel: a good coffee, a generous breakfast or a long, unhurried brunch, served with real warmth.
The names have changed over the years, but the welcome never has. Thank you to everyone who has pulled up a chair with us along the way. We can't wait to see you again.
Owner: Niyazi Öztürk
- Since 1991
Star Burger & The Local
Where it all began: a true neighbourhood local
- From 2007
New Local Cafe
A new chapter for the regulars
- From 2020
Cup of Joy
Reopening after Covid-19 and serving East Finchley today
A neighbourhood café
Our kitchen brings together two breakfast traditions. There's the great British fry-up, and there's the Turkish breakfast table, with sucuk, börek, feta, olives, simit and Turkish tea. We also cook çılbır (Turkish eggs), menemen, omelettes and a long list of sourdough plates.
At lunchtime it's chargrilled kebabs, salmon, pasta, homemade burgers, salads, wraps and toasted sandwiches. Thursday to Saturday we stay open until 7pm, with fresh juices, smoothies and mocktails.
What matters to us
- Fresh, generous plates cooked to order
- Espresso by Monmouth Coffee, with plant milks available
- Something for everyone: vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free bread and a kids' menu
- Outdoor tables out front, where dogs are welcome (not inside)
- A loyalty card that actually rewards regulars: Share the Joy