Nestled at 17-19 Regency St in London, close to the border of Westminster and Pimlico, Regency Cafe is a legendary, no-nonsense British "greasy spoon" that has been serving up hearty plates since 1946. Celebrated the world over as a true London institution, it is widely regarded as one of the finest spots in the capital for an authentic, great-value full English breakfast.
An Unchanged Classic Since the 1940s
Often described as 'trapped in the 1940s', the café boasts a striking Art Deco aesthetic, complete with a tiled exterior, original interior wall tiling, and more recent formica-topped tables. The walls are famously lined with vintage photographs of Tottenham Hotspur footballers and boxers.
It operates as a lively, fast-paced venue with no table service. Visitors queue up, place their order at the counter, and wait for their food to be hollered out across the room.
Given its enduring popularity with locals, tourists, and workers alike, there is nearly always a brisk-moving queue snaking out of the door.
A Filming Location and Tourist Favorite
The iconic retro interior has made it a sought-after filming location, having featured in films such as Layer Cake, Brighton Rock, Pride, and Rocketman, as well as numerous BBC television series.
Traditional British Comfort Food at Affordable Prices
The café serves up traditional British comfort food at remarkably wallet-friendly prices. Its signature dish typically comprises eggs, thick-cut bacon, sausages, baked beans, tomatoes, and toast.
Many customers opt to add classic sides, such as black pudding and bubble and squeak — a fried combination of mashed potato and cabbage. Beyond breakfast, they serve traditional British lunch options such as a plain omelette with steak-cut chips, and fresh fish and chips (cod with peas and tartar sauce) on Fridays.
Social Media Buzz and Customer Reviews
Popular Instagram creator Robbie Thompson recently paid a visit to the cafe to share his verdict on it. The influencer, who has amassed more than 107,000 followers, is known for 'championing British food' and frequently visits iconic UK restaurants and cafes.
Offering fans a glimpse inside the cafe, he was heard saying: "This English cafe hasn't changed since the 1940s and has one of the top five English breakfasts in the world as per TasteAtlas rankings."
Robbie said that just because it's visited by tourists, "doesn't make it a tourist trap" and said that the cafe is "loved by all – whether you're local or from abroad".
He also said that "the end product is always quality" and that the full English breakfast there is "hard to beat".
Fans were loving the post, with it racking up more than 34,000 likes. One person wrote: "I love this place. It used to be my cafe. I lived in Page street and would see this place every day. Featured in the film Layer Cake too. What a place."
While another added: "Great stuff. Old school. Can't beat it!"
A third chimed in: "Went to Regency Café in 2019 and 2021, absolutely amazing experience and wonderful memories."
Practical Information
The cafe operates strictly on a walk-in basis and does not accept reservations. It accepts credit cards, debit cards, and contactless mobile payments.
It is typically open Monday to Saturday from 7am to 3:30pm, though it remains closed on Sundays.
