British cafe ‘unchanged since 1940s’ has one of top ranked breakfasts
The Full English Breakfast at the cafe is ranked one of the top 5 in the world (Image: JUSTIN TALLIS, AFP via Getty Images)
Regency Cafe is a legendary, no-nonsense British “greasy spoon” that can be found at 17-19 Regency St in London, straddling the border between Westminster and Pimlico. Founded in 1946, it has earned worldwide recognition as a true London institution and is widely regarded as one of the capital’s finest destinations for an authentic, outstanding-value full English breakfast.
The café, often described as ‘trapped in the 1940s’, boasts a striking Art Deco aesthetic, complete with a tiled exterior, original interior wall tiling, and more recent formica-topped tables. Its walls are famously decorated with vintage photographs of Tottenham Hotspur footballers and boxers.
It operates as a lively, fast-paced venue with no table service. Customers queue up, place their order at the counter, and await their food being bellowed out across the room.
Given its enduring popularity with locals, tourists, and workers alike, a briskly moving queue outside the door is a common sight.
The iconic retro interior has cemented its status as a sought-after filming location, having featured in films such as Layer Cake, Brighton Rock, Pride, and Rocketman, alongside numerous BBC television productions.
The Regency Cafe is a legendary, no-nonsense British “greasy spoon” (Image: Geography Photos, Geography Photos/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
The café dishes up traditional British comfort food at remarkably wallet-friendly prices. Its signature offering typically comprises eggs, thick-cut bacon, sausages, baked beans, tomatoes, and toast.
Many customers choose to supplement their meal with classic accompaniments such as black pudding and bubble and squeak — a hearty fried combination of mashed potato and cabbage. Beyond the morning menu, the café serves classic British lunchtime staples, including a plain omelette with steak-cut chips, as well as fresh fish and chips — cod with peas and tartare sauce — every Friday.
Popular Instagram creator Robbie Thompson paid the café a visit recently to share his verdict with his audience. The influencer, who commands a following of more than 107,000, has built his reputation on ‘championing British food’, regularly dropping into iconic eateries and cafés across the UK.
Giving his followers an exclusive glimpse inside, he was heard saying: “This English cafe hasn’t changed since the 1940s and has one of the top five English breakfasts in the world as per TasteAtlas rankings.. Robbie said that just because it’s visited by tourists, “.
Robbie argued that despite attracting tourists, “doesn’t make it a tourist trap”, insisting the café is “loved by all – whether you’re local or from abroad”. He further praised it, saying “the end product is always quality” and that the full English breakfast on offer is “hard to beat”.
His post struck a chord with followers, amassing more than 34,000 likes.
One fan wrote: “I love this place. It used to be my cafe. I lived in Page street and would see this place every day. Featured in the film Layer Cake too. What a place.”
Another chipped in: “Great stuff. Old school. Can’t beat it!”
A third enthused: “Went to Regency Café in 2019 and 2021, absolutely amazing experience and wonderful memories.”
The café operates strictly on a walk-in basis, does not take reservations, and accepts credit cards, debit cards, and contactless mobile payments. The café is generally open Monday to Saturday from 7am to 3:30pm, though it remains closed on Sundays.
Have you already paid the café a visit, or are you planning to give it a try? Share your thoughts in the comments below….
