This is an intriguing place. I wonder why it's called the 'astral cafe'? There are no obvious signs of tarot readings or other dimensional travel going on. Mostly just breakfasts and lunches. And there aren't a huge number of glorious design details apart from the sign outside.
The grub though is marvelous. Crunchy chips and the beans threatening to spil over the edge which always makes you feel like you've had extra portions. Dark meaty bacon all curled up and poised. And the egg has a strange volcano look to it, like the yoke might erupt if you're not careful. Very nice.
A classic condiment cluster.
Simple, clean, lovely.
A knockout blog, but have you had your cholesterol checked recently. All best wishes
Keith
Posted by: Keith Povall | July 12, 2004 at 01:54 PM
thanks. i'm ignoring my cholesterol, my waistline is worrying enough.
Posted by: russell | July 13, 2004 at 07:06 PM
for the curious, Astral Cafe gets its name from the Building itself ie "Astral house"
Posted by: Walter | July 21, 2004 at 10:21 AM
for the curious, Astral Cafe gets its name from the Building itself ie "Astral house"
Posted by: Walter | July 21, 2004 at 10:22 AM
thanks. good information. but where does astral house get its name?
Posted by: russell | July 21, 2004 at 11:04 AM
thanks. good information. but where does astral house get its name?
Posted by: russell | July 21, 2004 at 11:05 AM
Russell,
If you're in Pimlico/Victoria area, try Wiltons in Wilton Road, junction of Longmoore Road. Again, another place featured in "London Caffs", and "Classic Cafes".
I was last here in December, hopefully it hasn't been altered in the past month. It's pretty small, so get there outside of peak periods. I think it's open from 7am - 3pm, weekdays,till about 2pm on Saturday. The grub's ok, and the Polish waitresses create a good vibe. The caff has a snug feeling, almost like a ship's cabin - especially in the two booths at the back, which aren't recommended for the claustrophobic !
The "Pronto Grill" in Strutton Ground, off Victoria St. isn't bad for fry-ups. I like the garishly painted sign. I doubt whether it gets much trade from the nearby Channel 4 H.Q.
Posted by: Patrick | January 20, 2005 at 07:39 PM
"The "Pronto Grill" in Strutton Ground, off Victoria St. isn't bad for fry-ups. I like the garishly painted sign. I doubt whether it gets much trade from the nearby Channel 4 H.Q."
correct. and that'll be because we've had too many 'orrible reports relative to that particular joint.
the regency cafe, regency street, just off horseferry road is the place to go. in fact, you could probably catch a glimpse of the regency from outside the astral. which, as already mentioned, is also a nice little cafe.
maybe the two could be included in a cafe crawl?
Posted by: davebluez | March 11, 2005 at 11:34 AM
The Regency wins hands down - classic cafe feel and shouty staff let you know your ebcb are ready. You will have seen this cafe featured in the movie "Layercake". Fab place. Always full.
Posted by: IainB | March 08, 2006 at 10:54 AM
The weird thing is, I live on Page Street and I've never actually eaten at ANY of these places XDD
The neighbourhood is pretty boring though.
Posted by: David J | July 01, 2006 at 10:17 PM
Yes, The Regency really is tremendous.
Contrary to the comment of an earlier poster, you will indeed see many C4 employees hunched over ebcb - I should know, I'm one of them.
The Astral is good, but once you've tried the chips at The Regency, there is no going back.
Posted by: Andy Grumbridge | November 24, 2006 at 11:47 AM
i like da food and da boss is a very nice person!!!
Posted by: sofia | December 23, 2006 at 04:49 PM
Per accident i stumbled accross this website and to my most surprise i even see an article on the favorite eatery place i visited regulary during my 5 week training in London. I shall always remember the good food and generous scoop portions of parmesan cheese on my spaghetti bolognese.
Posted by: Ernst | April 27, 2007 at 08:35 AM
Never been in here for lunch despite me working at DFT on marsham street a few meters away. The regency is my favourite.
great blog too, but how do you afford all those EBCB's??!!!?!
Posted by: tex | December 27, 2007 at 11:58 AM