From Paris, to Brussels and London, PaperBoy is taking its café on the road.
And its first stop: Double Standard.
We sat down with James Dridi, founder of PaperBoy, to talk about bringing a Paris cult café into a new city, building something with his sister Diane, and what happens when two communities collide.
PaperBoy is very rooted in Paris. What made you want to take it on the road?
I’ve always been passionate about urban and food cultures from all over the world.
Over time, we’ve built a strong and very engaged community in Europe and in Asia, especially in Japan and Korea, which naturally made us want to expand beyond Paris.
I’ve always been passionate about urban and food cultures from all over the world.
Over time, we’ve built a strong and very engaged community in Europe and in Asia, especially in Japan and Korea, which naturally made us want to expand beyond Paris.
Why hospitality, and why did The Standard feel like the right place to start this new chapter for PaperBoy?
I’ve stayed at The Standard hotels quite a few times, and I’ve always loved their DNA — the mix of culture, design, and energy really resonates with me.
Everything related to food, beverage, and hospitality genuinely interests us. We’re always curious and looking to evolve, and The Standard ticks all the boxes in terms of creativity, audience, and mindset.
I’ve stayed at The Standard hotels quite a few times, and I’ve always loved their DNA — the mix of culture, design, and energy really resonates with me.
Everything related to food, beverage, and hospitality genuinely interests us. We’re always curious and looking to evolve, and The Standard ticks all the boxes in terms of creativity, audience, and mindset.
Do you see similarities between your community and the one we’re building at The Standard?
Definitely — it’s the same universe. There’s a shared appreciation for creativity, and culture.The communities naturally overlap, which makes the collaboration feel very organic.
Definitely — it’s the same universe. There’s a shared appreciation for creativity, and culture.The communities naturally overlap, which makes the collaboration feel very organic.
PaperBoy was born from your 90s youth. What was the original vision behind it, beyond just opening a café?
It was always about energy — bringing people together around different projects.Whether it’s food and brand collaborations, running clubs, tennis, or even building a football team, the idea was to create a platform where people connect, share, and experience things together.
It was always about energy — bringing people together around different projects.Whether it’s food and brand collaborations, running clubs, tennis, or even building a football team, the idea was to create a platform where people connect, share, and experience things together.
What does building something with your sister change in the way you make decisions or shape the brand?
I love family businesses 😄.
I love family businesses 😄.
PaperBoy is known for its sandwiches, but also for its energy. How do you translate that into a different place?
For me, energy is everything — and it’s something you can bring anywhere. I put 1000% into everything I do. If I love something, I go all in.
For me, energy is everything — and it’s something you can bring anywhere. I put 1000% into everything I do. If I love something, I go all in.
Brussels and London each have their own rhythm, very different from Paris. What’s your perception of these two cities so far?
I’m a huge fan of London — from music and cinema to the Premier League — so the British vibe feels very natural to me. As for Brussels, I have a special connection to the city. I’ve had close Belgian friends since I was young, and they’ve shown me every corner of it. I really love it.
I’m a huge fan of London — from music and cinema to the Premier League — so the British vibe feels very natural to me. As for Brussels, I have a special connection to the city. I’ve had close Belgian friends since I was young, and they’ve shown me every corner of it. I really love it.
PaperBoy attracts fashion, creative and urban crowds. Is that something you consciously built, or does it just happen?
Honestly, I can’t really explain it. I’ve just created something that reflects who I am, and people who connect with that naturally gravitate towards it. Everyone who feels aligned is welcome.
Honestly, I can’t really explain it. I’ve just created something that reflects who I am, and people who connect with that naturally gravitate towards it. Everyone who feels aligned is welcome.
PaperBoy’s collabrations have always been rooted in Fashion. How do you bring that same energy into a space like Double Standard, and into hospitality more broadly?
PaperBoy collaborations can exist in any space — we don’t limit ourselves. We don’t set boundaries as long as it makes sense.
Right now we’re working on things like rain bonnets or incense, but we could just as easily create bed linens, bathrobes, or hotel slippers. Even wallpaper. I love exploring different fields and bringing our universe into unexpected places.
PaperBoy collaborations can exist in any space — we don’t limit ourselves. We don’t set boundaries as long as it makes sense.
Right now we’re working on things like rain bonnets or incense, but we could just as easily create bed linens, bathrobes, or hotel slippers. Even wallpaper. I love exploring different fields and bringing our universe into unexpected places.
How do you see PaperBoy fitting into The Standard’s universe, and what happens when both energies meet?
All I know is: PaperBoy + The Standard = 🔥
All I know is: PaperBoy + The Standard = 🔥
For three weeks, the cult Paris café is bringing its signature sandwiches and community spirit for a limited-time takeover in Double Standard. Starting 11 April, breakfast and lunch get a PaperBoy twist with a special menu crafted for the takeover.
Discover the menu here.
Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended. Book your table here.
After launching in Brussels, Paperboy will head to our sister hotel The Standard, London from April 24th for the final stop.
Discover the menu here.
Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended. Book your table here.
After launching in Brussels, Paperboy will head to our sister hotel The Standard, London from April 24th for the final stop.
