i used to work as a dispatch rider in london and went to hundreds of cafes and i've seen some of my old faves on your website. i wonder if you can help me find a real gem.... it was a small cafe run by an ex-boxer in his late 50's and had old b&w photos of boxers/fights/promo posters all over the place and i mean from skirting boards to ceilings. the food was good but the character of the place and the people there was awesome. all i can remember is that it was in it's own small building in the greenwich area on a desolate industrial estate. it'd be great to re-visit or see a review cheers and thanks for all that dedicated eating
It may be too far out of the west end for you, but I have a haven of greasy spooned-ness at the end of my road. YORK CAFE on Woolwich Road is clean, friendly and with proper chips. It is even licensed I think. Give it a go!
TJ's Cafe in mortlake sw14 open seven days a weeks, big portions!! cheap. you should definatley visit this place won the "best greasy spoon" in london award 2003
Russell how come we have not seen you at our cafe you are missing a treat. We serve the best all day breakfast in the North West We cater for everyone also we are in the process of taking on the title of the Ace Cafe of the Midlands Regards Lynn & Pete.
May I heartily recommend Sues Cafe in Gillingham Road, Gillingham, Kent (almost opposite the Arriva Bus Depot). Great food, great tea............very good prices for such good quality breakfasts and dinners.
The mess in Hackney is much nicer (and admittedly middle classer) than it's local counterparts (nice sausage rather than pig's bum). Some say it's better than Mario's... Alt for a good proper greasy spoon Dilari's on the corner of Mare Street is pretty good. Packed out every lunchtime and they have a non-smoking side of the room. Finally, if you live near Ealing and you've never been to Starvin' Marvins you're missing out. I was cautiously eating my breakfast with the pancake and maple syrup on one side and the bacon and eggs and hash brown on the other. Then absentmindedly I stabbed a bit of bacon onto the end of my syrupy pancaked-up fork… It's manna from lardarse heaven.
I love yr book and website. I have never commented on one or a blog before as I dont know how to. My son got this space for me. I am trying to get info on my favourite old cafe, The Blue Sky, by corner of Westbourne Grove and Chepstow Rd,London W2, between PAddington and Portobello Rd, which was my home from home from 1974-80.I lived in various squats and flats nearby and hung out with various groovy people in those days.... It closed down a few years ago. I wld love to get photos and the name/address of the lovely Irish waitress and Italian boss.... I have tried the Archives at Westminster City Library but no luck. I am doing a Ceramics degree as a v mature student and want to do an installation recreating a table at it, the light coming thru steamy bright plateglass windows, the smells, food, china,plastic menus, etc etc. I have assembled a load of stuff (tables, chairs etc),but they are not perfect. I wonder if you have any ideas on where I cld borrow/hire perfect stuff in one fell swoop, for a few days in early Jan 07? Most of all I want to get hold of a tape/CD of cafe background noises. Any ideas? Many thanks, Emma
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you have to be careful when you go to the star. it's a soho institution and can get busy - which means it's not always the best place to nurse a long cup of tea. however, mid-morning it's a lovely place to sit and watch the world go by. it's a bit more than a cafe, quite posh, proper food and gets an interesting crowd.
it's covered in old ads and 'olde worlde' parahenalia which shoud feel forced but somehow doesn't. and they've always got a telly on by the sandwich bar which you can stare at.
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Hi Patrick,
I just adore this place. I always make a point of calling into it whenever I visit London. I usually have one of the daily specials for lunch as they are always good. The Italian owner, Mario, has apparently worked there all his life and took over from his father. He's a friendly chap and I always come away with a new joke.
Posted by: Jonathan | February 14, 2005 at 11:00 PM
Oh - I used to go here for lunch all the time when I lived in London. thanks for the memory!
Posted by: Sam | April 03, 2005 at 09:11 PM
I've just been for the first time and I love it. I can't believe I've lived in London for 10 years and I never knew about this place. I shall definitely make myself a regular there now...
Posted by: Lisa | December 02, 2005 at 02:44 PM
Glad you discovered it Lisa. I havent been for ages, I should go again.
Posted by: russell | December 05, 2005 at 02:30 PM
Am doing research on The Star Cafe as my mum Linda worked there when she was in her teens for Pop, Mario's father. I am glad there are so many people out there who appreciate this fantasic Cafe.
Posted by: Christina | April 10, 2008 at 03:43 PM
The greatest cafe in London. Have been going for 37 years! Now moved to LA, but always great to see Mario when I get back to Soho, and have one of the daily specials at lunchtime. On no account miss the kippers at breakfast - they're awesome!
Posted by: Colin Vaines | June 04, 2008 at 10:52 PM