First Cup | Part 1: The Dusty Knuckle

In the quiet hours before service, there’s a rhythm to the morning at East London bakery and café, The Dusty Knuckle. Behind the shaping of dough and the hum of the espresso machine warming up, there’s the steady, intentional work of a team that knows what it means to build something from the ground up.

Founded in a shipping container in Dalston, The Dusty Knuckle has grown into one of London's most respected bakeries. But its mission has always extended beyond the bakes. At its core is a commitment to social impact, specifically, supporting young people at risk of long-term unemployment through training, mentorship, and meaningful work.

Their youth programme is designed for 18 to 24-year-olds who have yet to find a clear career path, offering structured support for those who’ve faced barriers such as school exclusion, involvement with the criminal justice system, or unstable housing. Through hands-on experience in the bakery and café, participants gain not just skills, but confidence, community, and a sense of direction.

This commitment to community uplift was recently recognised with the King’s Award for Enterprise 2025, awarded in the Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility category- a testament to the impact they’re making.

Mornings at The Dusty Knuckle begin early. As first light filters through the bakery windows, the team arrives, some seasoned bakers, others just starting their journey. There’s a quiet focus as trays are loaded, dough is mixed and shaped, and the day’s first batch of sourdough hits the oven. In this film, we hear from baking supervisor Roami, who offers a glimpse into the early moments that shape the start of the day at The Dusty Knuckle, where hours of quiet preparation build toward the first cup of coffee, shared as the baristas arrive. It’s a small pause, a moment of connection and a ritual that grounds the day, before the buzz of service begins.

As The Dusty Knuckle continues to grow, opening new sites, training more young people, and crafting some of the best bakes in London, they continue their story of resilience, creativity, and care - a journey that we're proud to fuel.