Our Story
FROM MARKETS TO MAYFAIR
Popina began when two lifelong passions came together: ART and FOOD.
While studying Fine Art at Goldsmiths, Founder Isidora Popovic created a series of conceptual food bites exploring flavour, texture, colour and presentation. From that moment the culinary spark was ignited, and Popina was born.
With support from The Prince’s Trust, that idea became a folding table and a batch of handmade biscuits on Portobello Road.From a single market stall, the business has grown into a familiar presence at food markets across London, with multiple Great Taste Awards, retail partnerships with Fortnum & Mason and Harrods, a bestselling cookbook and a restaurant in the heart of Mayfair.
INGREDIENTS FIRST
Our philosophy
At the heart of Popina is a simple philosophy: great food starts with the best ingredients you can find. Childhood visits to markets in Serbia taught Isidora how to recognise produce at its best, cook with the seasons and make the most of what each one has to offer. That instinct still guides the kitchen today.
More than twenty-five years later, that same spirit of creativity and curiosity continues to shape everything we do. From award-winning cakes and pastries to fresh pasta and seasonal dishes, everything is made from scratch with love, combining hand selected ingredients that feel both familiar and a little surprising.
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Working closely with our supply partners keeps us connected to what is at it’s best, emerging new products and a wealth of knowledge that helps shape our menus throughout the year. From flour and biodynamic eggs to seasonal fruit, herbs and cheeses, every ingredient is hand selected for its flavour, provenance and distinct character.
1999
FROM ART TO ARTISAN
Two passions come together when art meets food, and Popina is born from an art project exploring flavour, texture and food as creative expression while Isidora is studying at Goldsmiths, University of London.
1999
FOOD ARTISTRY FOR THE SOUL
Creative catering for galleries, fashion events and private parties sparked a bigger ambition – to share a love of food with more people.
2001
Hello Portobello!
Funded by a grant from The Prince’s Trust, Popina opens its first market stall at Portobello Road Market – and our journey begins.
2003
GROWING DEMAND
As word spread, a dedicated production kitchen opens to keep up with demand.
2003-2010
AWARD WINNING FLAVOUR
Popina earns multiple Great Taste Awards for its original flavours and craftsmanship and is awarded the Waitrose Bakery Small Producers Award.
2005
FROM STALLS TO SHELVES
Popina’s artisan baking appears in some of London’s most loved stores, including Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Fortnum & Mason, Waitrose, Whole Foods Market, Abel & Cole and Williams Sonoma, as well as independent stores in New York City and Paris.
2005
ROYAL SEAL OF APPROVAL
Popina is chosen to supply Highgrove House, and becomes part of HRH Prince Charles’s group of selected small producers.
2007
IN GOOD COMPANY
Popina’s unique flavour combinations find their way to some well-known kitchens, including Jamie Oliver and Godminster.
2010
FIRST COOKBOOK PUBLISHED
The first Popina cookbook, The Popina Book of Baking, is published and translated into five languages, bringing Popina’s signature recipes to homes around the world.
2018
OUR FIRST HOME
From the buzz of the market to the buzz around the table, Popina opens its first permanent home on Duke Street in Mayfair, where award-winning pastries and savouries sit alongside breakfast, brunch and all-day favourites.
2025
A NEW CHAPTER
Popina moves to the historic Weighhouse building, opening up al fresco dining, private hire and all-day favourites in the heart of Mayfair.
LOCAL FIRST
Suppliers
We source our ingredients locally wherever possible, and work with independent growers and artisan producers who are as passionate about the products as we are.
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