Cubitts - Review
Cubitts - the perfect optician and shop for glasses. Not just for cool hipsters.
Yesterday I walked into Cubitts expecting to replace the lenses in my old glasses. We’re short of cash at the moment, so I wasn’t planning on spending much. But as the assistant gently popped out the lenses, there was a faint crack — not ideal. The manager turned to me with a smile and said, “Well, it’s your lucky day — looks like you’re getting new frames too.”
That, in a nutshell, is why I’ve now had four pairs of glasses from Cubitts. The staff are kind, the service is excellent, and they don’t mess you around.
What is Cubitts?
Cubitts is a British eyewear brand, founded in 2013 by Tom Broughton, and named after the Cubitt brothers — Victorian-era engineers who shaped much of London’s built environment. It’s a fitting name, because Cubitts do for glasses what the Cubitts did for buildings: make something functional and beautiful that stands the test of time.
They design and make all their own frames, blending classic shapes with modern precision. There's a slight air of mid-century academic cool about the brand — but in the best way.
The Range
All Cubitts frames come in a wide variety of colours and sizes. This is not just a detail — it’s a godsend if, like me, you have a generously sized head and don't want to feel like you're wearing pince-nez from the dressing-up box.
You can also customise your glasses — mixing colours, adjusting fit, or even creating bespoke pairs if you're feeling flush. But even the standard range is very strong (in both senses).
A Reputation for Hipsters?
Yes, Cubitts has something of a hipster reputation. Clear frames, matte tortoiseshells, some suspiciously good facial hair on the staff. But who cares? The frames are stylish, well made, and durable. And as your life changes, you can adjust your look. My first pair were clear. Then I went a bit rogue with clear yellow. Now that I need to look vaguely serious in meetings, I’ve settled on a refined grey.
The Shops and Service
Cubitts shops are dotted around London (and now in a few other cities too) — calm, minimalist spaces that somehow still feel warm and inviting. I’ve been to the ones in Coal Drops Yard and Spitalfields, and both times I came away thinking, why aren’t all opticians like this?
The staff genuinely listen, and they’re practical — they’ll talk you out of spending more if it’s not worth it. They understood I was trying to save money, and still offered to fit my new lenses into the old frames. Not every shop does that.
Where to Find Them
Cubitts has shops across London — including King's Cross, Soho, Spitalfields, Greenwich, and Notting Hill — plus locations in Cambridge, Brighton, Bath, and even Leeds. You can also buy online, but it’s worth visiting in person if you can.
Final Thoughts
Great glasses, excellent service, and one of the few modern brands that actually seems to like its customers. I cannot praise Cubitts highly enough.
Whether you’re a hipster, a harassed dad, or someone with a very big head — you’re welcome here.