a good place for a cup of tea and a think: Paul Rothe & Son, Marylebone Lane, W1

cafe miscellania

from Kieran
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
from Clare
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!
from Lambros
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
from The Shropshire Cafe
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.
from Dave
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.
from Abby
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.
from Emma
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

« Wish Tower Cafe, King Edwards Parade, Western Lawns, Eastbourne | Main | Andrews Restaurant, 160 Grays Inn Road, WC1 »

Paul Rothe & Son, Marylebone Lane, W1

This most agreeable place is one of the treasures of Marylebone. And it's somewhere that's conscious of its own history and place in the world. They seem careful to preserve their history and specialness. And they make the most delicious sandwiches.

Tea can be elegant at any almost any price point. Elegant and refreshing.

More elegance from the condiments.

Those fold up chairs and tables are just lovely. I would probably go on about splendid proportions if I knew anything about proportion.

I think I will ask Paul Rothe and Sons to address all of my jam and preserve needs from now on.

I just like the shapes. And the colours. And the repetition.

They were about to close when we were in there. They don't normally keep their open sign inside. That would be silly.

September 25, 2006 in Marylebone | Permalink

Comments

I live around the corner.
And ye sit is a great place. A treasured place.
The father and son are so kind.
The daily soup is excellent.
My local oasis albeit at a bit inflated prices. But who can blame them given the rents around there.

Good find and fun blog!

Posted by: City Slicker | September 29, 2006 at 03:27 PM

I popped in there today for a cup of tea whilst taking photos in the area. What a fantastic little place. I intend to go back when I'm hungry and try out some of the food - it looks fantastic.

Posted by: Nic | October 14, 2006 at 08:01 PM

Hi Paul and Steve,
If you remember me, I was the cab driver that used to call in almost every morning for my lovely cup of coffee and toasted sandwich. You and the soups are among the few things I really miss now that I have moved to the states. Life is good here, to get away from the rat race of London has done me a world of good. We are moving into a new house that looks out onto 7 acres of lovely forest with stream where the deer come to drink. I can park my car without any fear of any traffic wardens. Love the photos on the website. It takes me back! Kind regards to Jackie I hope she is still getting to work on time. As I said, I do miss your smiling faces and lovely food.
Take Care, Send more info later, Best Wishes, Derek Happy New Year

Posted by: Derek Clayton cabbie now in Kansas City | January 17, 2007 at 09:48 PM

What a sweet shop. It's been some time since I was last in London. But what I liked best about the tea shops was that they all seemed to have a cat or two. Often by the cash, just to make sure that everyone got a chance to pet them. Sometimes snoozing in a sunny spot (where, of course, you were required to pet them). How truly civilized.

Posted by: almost vegetarian | March 07, 2007 at 07:33 PM

ooh! as someone who loves a good cup of tea and recently posted about my favourite tea cup, i'm so glad i stumbled upon this blog!!

Posted by: lauren | March 11, 2007 at 02:14 PM