Regency Café

Regency Café is a traditional British café at 17-19 Regency Street in Westminster, London SW1P 4BY, a few minutes' walk from Tate Britain and Victoria. It is run by a family and has served breakfast and simple meals since 1946, and is one of the best-known examples of a London greasy spoon. The cuisine is classic British café cooking, with fried breakfasts, tea and hearty plates at low prices. The café has been used as a location in films and television, and its Art Deco interior and period character make it popular with visitors as well as local workers.

The listed signature dishes are the full English breakfast and bubble and squeak. The full English typically consists of bacon, sausage, eggs, baked beans, fried tomato, mushrooms, fried bread or toast, and tea. Bubble and squeak is a fried cake of potato and cabbage, a traditional way of using leftovers. The menu also includes items such as egg and chips, sausage sandwiches, liver and bacon, and puddings like jam roly-poly, all served in large portions. Food is cooked to order and served at speed.

The dining room is small and busy, with an Art Deco tiled and panelled interior, Formica tables and a counter where orders are taken. The mood is brisk, friendly and noisy, with a mix of builders, office workers, local residents and tourists. Seating is shared at busy times, and customers often queue out of the door during the late-morning peak. There is no dress code. Drinks are strong tea, coffee and soft drinks; no alcohol is served.

Reservations are not accepted, and the café is walk-in only and cash only, so visitors should bring pounds sterling. Listed hours are Monday to Friday 07:00 to 14:30 and Saturday 07:00 to 12:00, with the café closed on Sundays, though visitors should confirm times before going. Prices are low by London standards, with a full breakfast costing roughly the price of a coffee in many central cafés. Arriving soon after opening usually avoids long waits and gives the best choice of tables.