The cafe is a beloved UK institution serving authentic full English breakfasts since the 1940s. It is ranked among the world’s top 5 breakfast destinations, according to TasteAtlas

Regency Café is a legendary, no-nonsense British “greasy spoon” nestled at 17-19 Regency Street in London, sitting on the boundary between Westminster and Pimlico. Founded in 1946, it has earned worldwide recognition as a true London institution, and is widely regarded as one of the capital’s finest destinations for a genuine, outstanding-value full English breakfast.

The café, often described as ‘trapped in the 1940s’, boasts a striking Art Deco aesthetic, complete with a tiled frontage, original interior wall tiling, and more recent formica-topped tables. Its walls are famously decorated with vintage photographs of Tottenham Hotspur footballers and boxers.

It operates as a lively, fast-paced spot with no table service. Diners queue up, place their order at the counter, and await their food being bellowed out across the room.

Given its popularity amongst locals, tourists and workers alike, there is nearly always a swiftly-moving queue stretching out of the door.

The iconic retro interior has transformed it into 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.

The café serves up hearty, traditional British comfort food at remarkably wallet-friendly prices. Their hallmark dish typically comprises eggs, thick-cut bacon, sausages, baked beans, tomatoes, and toast.

Many customers opt to add classic extras, such as black pudding and bubble and squeak – a fried combination of mashed potato and cabbage. Beyond morning meals, they offer typical British lunchtime options including a simple omelette accompanied by chunky chips, and traditional fish and chips (cod served with peas and tartare sauce) on Fridays.

Well-known Instagram content creator Robbie Thompson recently dropped by the establishment to share his verdict. The social media personality, who has amassed over 107,000 followers, is recognised for ‘championing British food’ and regularly drops into legendary UK eateries and cafes.

Taking fans on a tour 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”.

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”.

Followers were enthusiastic about the post, with it collecting over 34,000 likes.

One commenter posted: “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.”

Meanwhile another commented: “Great stuff. Old school. Can’t beat it!”.

A third responded: “Went to Regency Café in 2019 and 2021, absolutely amazing experience and wonderful memories.”

The establishment functions exclusively on a walk-in basis and doesn’t take bookings. It welcomes credit cards, debit cards, and contactless mobile payments.

The café is typically open Monday to Saturday from 7am to 3:30pm, though it remains shut on Sundays.

Have you got plans to visit the café? Or perhaps you’ve already paid it a visit? Drop your thoughts in the comments below….