Welcome to Regency Cafe

London’s Iconic British Cafe – Serving Authentic English Breakfast & Home-Style British Food in Westminster

Quick Information

⏰ Open Monday-Friday, 7am-7pm

📍 17-19 Regency Street, Westminster, London

🚇 Near Westminster & Victoria Stations

📧 contact@regencycafelondon.co.uk

What Makes Us Special!

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Our Heritage

Step into a piece of living London history at Regency Cafe. Since 1946, our iconic black and white tiled walls have welcomed everyone from local workers to film stars, serving the finest English breakfast and traditional British fare in central London.

Location of Regency Cafe London

The Regency Experience

1. Authentic Atmosphere: Our original 1940s decor and traditional service style create an immersive experience
2. Quality Ingredients: We source our meat from local butchers and use free-range eggs
3. Generous Portions: Known for hearty servings that satisfy even the biggest appetites
4. Reasonable Prices: Quality food doesn’t have to cost the earth
5. Celebrity Spotting: A favorite among film crews and celebrities seeking authentic British cuisine

Gary Eats: Reviewing Regency Cafe – One of London’s Most Famous!

The Story of Regency Cafe: A London Legend Since 1946

The Birth of an Icon (1946)

The story of Regency Cafe begins in the aftermath of World War II, when London was rebuilding itself from the rubble of the Blitz. In 1946, Antonio Perotti and his wife Gina opened the doors of what would become one of London’s most enduring culinary institutions. They chose the location at 17-19 Regency Street strategically – positioned in Westminster amid government offices and local workers who would soon become their loyal customer base.

The Art Deco Marvel

The cafe’s distinctive architectural style represents one of London’s finest examples of Art Deco cafe design from the 1940s. The striking black-and-white tiled exterior, chrome-detailed windows, and iconic “REGENCY” signage were all carefully preserved from its original design. The interior, with its bakelite wall panels and geometric patterns, remains largely unchanged, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into post-war British cafe culture.

The Italian Connection

Like many of London’s best cafes, the Regency’s story is intertwined with the capital’s Italian community. The Perotti family brought with them not just their entrepreneurial spirit but also an understanding of how to create a welcoming space that would become a community hub. While serving quintessentially British fare, they infused the service with Italian warmth and hospitality – a combination that proved irresistible to Londoners.

A Change of Guard (1960s-Present)

In the mid-1960s, the cafe passed into the capable hands of the Maddalena family, who maintained its original character while subtly adapting to changing times. Current owners Claudia Peroni and Marco Schiavetta took over in the late 1990s, becoming the careful custodians of this historic establishment. They have masterfully balanced preserving the cafe’s heritage while ensuring its continued relevance in modern London.

The Film Star Cafe

The Regency’s distinctive appearance has made it a favorite among filmmakers and photographers. Its most notable silver screen appearance came in the 2004 crime film “Layer Cake” starring Daniel Craig, but it has also featured in:

• BBC’s “London Spy” (2015)
• Various episodes of “Silent Witness”
• Numerous fashion shoots for Vogue and other publications
• International food documentaries
• British television commercials

Famous Faces and Regular Characters

Over the decades, the Regency has served everyone from cabinet ministers to construction workers, film stars to food critics. Some notable regular customers have included:

• Local Westminster politicians
• BBC broadcasters from nearby Broadcasting House
• Artists from the Tate Britain
• Countless celebrities seeking an authentic London experience

Surviving Changing Times

While many traditional London cafes have disappeared, replaced by chain coffee shops and modern eateries, the Regency has thrived by staying true to its roots. It has survived:

• The modernization of the 1960s
• The coffee shop revolution of the 1990s
• The gastro-cafe boom of the 2000s
• The challenges of the 2020s

Cultural Impact and Recognition

The cafe has become more than just a place to eat; it’s a cultural institution that has:

• Been featured in numerous books about London’s culinary heritage
• Won multiple awards for preserving traditional British cafe culture
• Inspired other establishments to maintain their historic character
• Become a symbol of London’s resilient independent food scene

Legacy and Traditions

Today’s Regency Cafe maintains many of its original traditions:

• The same morning routine of preparing fresh ingredients
• The distinctive calling out of order numbers
• The carefully guarded recipes for its signature dishes
• The warm welcome extended to every customer
• The strict cash-only policy

Preserving History

Many of the cafe’s original features have been preserved:

• The classic black and white tiled walls
• Original service counter and display cases
• Vintage menu boards
• Art Deco light fittings
• Original seating arrangements

Community Role

Throughout its history, the Regency has served as more than just a cafe. It has been:

• A meeting point for local workers
• A sanctuary for early morning commuters
• A landmark for giving directions
• A symbol of continuity in a changing city
• A keeper of traditional British cafe culture

The Regency Cafe stands today as a testament to the enduring appeal of authentic British cafe culture. It represents not just a place to eat, but a living piece of London’s social history, continuing to serve new generations while maintaining the traditions that have made it a beloved institution for over 75 years.