New on the Lane: UTea Spitalfields
Posted on: 08.10.2025
When you’ve been around as long as us (300 years, rounding down), sometimes you need a fresh take on things. And with the Lane’s new opening, UTea Spitalfields, you can bet we’re feeling fresh, well fed and like we’ve had a quick trip to Saigon on our lunchbreak.
This August, Vivian and Nathan opened the doors to UTea Spitalfields, bringing to life their dream of sharing the food, drinks and open-hearted hospitality they grew up with in Vietnam. Designed to be cosy and welcoming, the walls are hung with artworks of Hanoi, Saigon and Sa Pa, framed by the fronds of houseplants besides simple tables and chairs, creating a slice of Vietnam in the heart of E1 – exactly how they envisaged it.
Nathan learned to cook at his uncle’s restaurant, the cult favourite Sen Viet in Kings Cross. It’s taken him years to perfect a bánh mì recipe that mirrors the street stalls of Saigon, but those years have paid off; crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, with pâté, fresh herbs, and homemade sauce to tie it all together. Customers are already hailing it as “absolutely amazing”, “the best Vietnamese baguette I’ve ever had”, and a meal where “every bite feels hearty, comforting and made with love.”
Complementing their grub is the bold and aromatic robusta coffee, so characteristic of Vietnam. They’ve got an epic menu of signature brews, like Saigon, Avocado and Sea Salt coffee – definitely an upgrade on your basic filter. But if you’re not a coffee fan to start with, they won’t try to convert you. Have a leaf through their extensive menu of milk, fruit and pearl teas to find something that’ll take your fancy.
On top of the elite food and exciting drinks, there’s one other thing that diners mention time and time again: Vivian and Nathan’s rapport with their customers. Spend five minutes in store and you’ll see for yourself, with a roster of regulars stopping by for a quick chat as they grab a drink to go. It’s an atmosphere that “brings a touch of sincerity and romance” in a way that’s often hard to find.
Vivian and Nathan’s “affordable, authentic, honest Vietnamese lunches that can be enjoyed every day” are proving a hit down the Lane, so swing by to find out why. And if you visit between 12:00 and 15:00 you can bag 10% off a traditional bánh mì and Vietnamese coffee lunch combo (Vivian’s favourite btw).
UTea Spitalfields is open at 32A Wentworth Street, Monday-Saturday, 11:00-22:00, and 12:00-20:00 on Sundays.
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