Jones Dairy, 24 Tudor Street, EC4

It takes quite a lot of looking to discover this place is called Jones Dairy. With the awning thing up you can't see the sign. And it doesn't matter. None of the people running the place gave the impression of being a Jones. And I bet none of the regular calls it that. It's just the caff. Or the place on the corner. And that's as it should be. Cafes aren't brands. They're places on the corner. Human places. Grub places. They don't need clever names.

And this one doesn't because it does proper, tasty grub. Fast, city-worker, people-in-high-viz jacket, IT dept, grub. No nonsense in and out quickly grub. And there's a geology lesson in there too. The way those beans are slipping under the chips is a very accurate model of elementary plate tectonics. The chips and beans form a sort of lithosphere, the plate (the actual, you know, plate plate) is an asthenosphere. It's solid but can move like a liquid on geological time scales. (Though your tea might go cold if you wait that long.) The bacon and egg are analogous to some of the smaller tectonic plates maybe the Juan De Fuca Plate or the Nazca Plate.

And, as bonus, it's all rather delicious. Cripsy where it needs to be, soft where it should be. Genius.

Would I be going too far if I suggested they look a bit like geological measuring instruments? Probably. Sorry.

Tea, not going cold.

A fantastic place. Highly recommended.

Comments

[Sarah]

as a geologist- I'm confused! :-D

[John Wilson]

I was browsing your excellent site this morning and I noticed that you have not yet commented on the Rheidol Rooms situated half way along my road (St Peter's Street, Islington, N1). Can I please recommend it to you. It is a place to rhapsodise quietly over and the place I go for guilty breakfasts when my wife is away.

Keep up the good work!

John Wilson

[ozzie]

hi was shocked to see jones dairy at this site its my favourite cafe,ive worked just across the road for more than 6 years and they have always been very friendly warm people with quick and very nice food
totaly recomend to anyone that works in city.

[Stonch]

I've just given you a big shout out in my latest blog post, yet you seem to have stopped writing! Get on it man! Cheers, Stonch

[chanchao]

This is a thoroughly enjoyable read even though I haven't been in Britain in 20 years, and don't eat this for breakfast and especially not the beans. But I almost would, it's such a fun read. ;)

[green_anemone]

Tried out this cafe this morning. Pretty good quality and had a steady buzz the entire time I was there.

[Krista]

Have been walking by this place for ages and was always curious...it's a must-do now! Thanks for the tip.