Regency Cafe: Westminster
Address: 17-19 Regency St, London, SW1P 4BY, United Kingdom
Cost: £
Opening times:
Mon – Sat; 7am-2:30pm
Sun; Closed
Must try dish: Full English breakfast
The Best Cafe in London
Is Regency Cafe the best cafe in London? Located just around the corner from Westminster Abbey on the borders with Pimlico, this establishment is a proper British, old school cafe, serving classic British grub. We’re talking a full English Breakfast that won’t break the bank.
Opened in 1946, this cafe boasts original art deco and pictures on the wall of Tottenham Hotspur football players. Hence giving you a homely feeling, as if not much had changed since it first opened. Its nostalgic look is probably why it has been used several times over the years as a filming location.
Who owns it?
As is the case with a lot of the traditional British cafes, Regency Cafe is a family-owned business. Antonio Perotti and Gino Schiavetta purchased it from the original owners in 1986, and it is now run by the daughter of Antonio, Claudia, and the son of Gino, Marco.
A Tourist Hotspot
Ever more popular over the years, even more so with the Instagram age. Hence, the big queues of hungry customers snaking out of the front door and around the corner. Locals and tourists from all over the world alike. One rule is that you’re not allowed to sit down at a table until you have ordered. There are a number of tables though and it’s a quick turnaround.
On my visit, I started queuing outside and worked my way to the front within 15 minutes or so. It’s worth the wait. Practically as soon as you order and sit down, your food arrives not long after. It’s run like clockwork.
What else is on the menu?
This cafe is one of the best cheap eats you will find in London, if not the country. Not just for breakfast, but the other British classics that are on the lunch and evening menu too. For example, Shepherds pie, steak & kidney pudding and gammon, egg & chips. There is also a specials menu with something different each day, such as the weekly curry. On Fridays, you’ll most likely find fish & chips, featuring a choice of cod, rock, plaice, haddock or pollock, and mushy peas, of course. All at very reasonable prices.
The Best English Breakfast in London
All your traditional workers’ cafe options like sausage, eggs and beans are there, with some classics like bubble & squeak, or liver & bacon as well. Also, there’s a number of set breakfasts to choose from for around the £6 price range, which include eggs, sausage, bacon, beans, toast, tea (English breakfast tea, of course) or coffee and juices. On top of that, extras like hash browns or black pudding can be added. Without a doubt one of the best English Breakfasts in London
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See my full list of the other best breakfasts in London here.