The Greasy Spoons of London

As London becomes increasingly more environmentally friendly and health conscious, its good to know that a handful of greasy spoons still thrive within the city. With new emphasis on healthy eating incorporating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, lean meats and whole grain breads, the cuisine of Britain is only a flicker of its original “glory”. Yes, despite the world’s general relief that fare of the British Isles has developed a vocabulary not strictly of meat and potatoes fried, roasted, or boiled, the relics of good, traditional English cooking can still be found when in the capital. What’s more, many of these classic eateries appear unchanged from the heyday and almost all booths come equipped with a bottle of HP Sauce. Taking perhaps the best preserved example of a London “caff”, The Regency Cafe in Pimlico, one will find a bit of nostalgia in contemporary London. With its simple white sign, brown tiled exterior and faded blue drapes, The Regency Cafe is as conspicuous as it seems charming. While nothing of the interior scream “contemporary”, this greasy spoon also prides itself on not being a fast food change. No, you will not find burgers and pizza here! Just the staples: fried eggs, bacon, black pudding, bubble and squeak, burgers, sausages, mushrooms, chips, instant coffee and weak bagged, tea. If you want organic, probiotic, and vitamin enriched food, The Regency Cafe is not for you. However, the quintessential English breakfast and filling, carb-heavy dinners are reasons that keep Londonder’s returning to eat at the Formica table tops at The Regency Cafe.A short journey by tube for anyone staying at the London Waldorf hotel, The Regency Cafe is a five minute walk from Pimlico Station. After a breakfast of tomatoes, chips and bacon sandwich, we recommend taking the time to walk back to the Waldorf hotel by way of the Victoria Embankment. Not only is it a perfect way to see the Thames and many of London’s landmarks, but you’ll manage to burn most of the calories you’ve just ingested at the capital’s greatest greasy spoon.