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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Great unassuming place. In the area of gentrifying cusp land around the City Road, Old Street whatever you call that. I don't know that area very well. Lovely cuppa, only 45p.
This is the best bit. This area for hot snacks and the hot water / tea / coffee plumbing equipment.
Simple stools, and a little lower shelf for storing revolvers and buried treasure. Or something.
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I'm sad to report that this cafe is no more. I was in the area on Friday (Dec 17th), the place is closed, and the interior has been gutted.
The friendly Italian woman who owns the Castle cafe in nearby Paul St. informed me that she thought their lease had come to an end.
The Castle Snack Bar seems to have had the same style of interior as the Castle, with counters and stools. Maybe the Castle will pick up some of their trade.
Posted by: Patrick | December 19, 2004 at 03:30 PM
The Castle Snack Bar is alive and well! Cracking bacon sandwiches and a GREAT 50p cuppa tea. Owned by a different guy but a friendly bunch, it all looks the same as the above photos though.
Posted by: Jemma | February 07, 2007 at 09:39 AM
Patrick must have been looking at the wrong place - the Castle Snack Bar has been there, unchanged (apart from an occasional repaint), for years - 37 years!
Posted by: Dave | January 24, 2008 at 12:35 PM
We just ended up there by accident for lunch while on a training course. Absolutely brilliant - toasted sandwiches were great and the mug of tea was lovely. We'll be back for breakfast tomorrow :)
Posted by: Ben | May 21, 2008 at 01:50 PM