As winter descends, searching for the best British comfort food in London is a quest for warmth and nostalgia. London has everything from the classic British fry-up to fish and chips, satisfying pie and mash, or a Sunday roast treat. The Regency, Terry’s Café and Maria’s in Borough Market are celebrated for their retro charm and abundant breakfast options. Meanwhile, Norman’s Café offers a contemporary take on the quintessential full English. For traditional sandwich lovers, Paul Rothe & Son offers many customisable choices. Fish and chips or pie and chips can be enjoyed at Poppies or Sutton and Sons. Goodards at Greenwich, M Manze and F Cooke is the go-to for pie and mash or jellied eels. Lastly, a succulent Sunday roast can be enjoyed in most parts of the capital, whether you want to go upmarket at the aptly named Roast or keep it local at your neighbourhood pub.
Best British Breakfasts In London
Starting your day with a classic British fry-up may not be healthy, but occasionally, you can consider it a treat. While traditional greasy spoons are becoming rarer in London, there are still gems to be found. I’ll mention some I’ve eaten at recently, but I expect you’ll have your favourites.
Ensure you visit The Regency, 17-19 Regency Street, London SW1P 4BY. This iconic, no-frills, retro-styled café is known for its full English breakfasts and classic British fare. It’s so popular that queues are standard, but the wait is worth it for their extensive breakfast options and reasonable prices.
Terry’s Café, 158 Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 1PE, is another must-visit eatery. They offer hearty breakfast plates filled with Cumberland sausages, bacon, eggs, and bubble and squeak. The café, adorned with vintage memorabilia, provides a charming atmosphere for a satisfying meal.
In the bustling Borough Market, you’ll discover Maria’s Market Café, 9 Stoney Street, London SE1 9AA. Maria’s stands out for its variety of fry-ups and breakfast baps. They also serve ham, eggs and chips or sausage and mash for lunch.
Although greasy spoons seem to be dying out, there is hope for a revival thanks to Norman’s Cafe, 167 Junction Road, Archway, London N19 5PZ. This adorable eatery is a homage to old-fashioned English cafes with their set breakfasts and desserts like rice pudding with jam.
Best British Lunch And Dinner In London
Paul Rothe & Son on Marylebone Lane is a gem for sandwich enthusiasts. Their handmade sandwiches, with a wide range of bread and fillings, like chicken tikka, salt beef and smoked salmon, cater to all tastes. They also offer jacket potatoes and other savoury snacks.
Fish and chips fans should visit Poppies, 6-8 Hanbury Street, London E1 6QR. This traditional style chippy is adorned with 1950s memorabilia. They offer various fish, pasty and pie options, perfect for a comforting meal.
Alternatively, Sutton and Sons, 90 Stoke Newington High Street, London N16 7NY, is renowned for its crispy battered fish and homemade pickles. Their pies are lovely too.
Pie and mash lovers have options, like Goodards at Greenwich, 22 King William Walk, Greenwich, London SE10 9HU. They are famous for their minced beef pie and mash with liquor or gravy. They also serve a range of pies, including vegetarian options. Other notable pie and mash shops include M Manze on Tower Bridge Road or Peckham and F Cooke Pie and Mash in Hoxton. Most of these establishments also serve jellied eels. Also in Greenwich is Heap’s, known for its sausage and mash.
Finally, London’s pubs range from affordable to upscale for a quintessential Sunday roast, like Roast at Borough Market, The Floral Hall, Stoney Street, London SE1 1TL.
Most people in London will have a local dependable pub to enjoy a decent roast. My locals are The Woolpack on Bermondsey Street and The Roebuck in Borough.
Best British Comfort Food In London Reviews
I’ve eaten my fair share of British comfort food! Here are the articles that are most relevant to this story. Enjoy!
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. I only write about eateries where I had a good experience. I recommend you do further research as standards fluctuate, as do opinions. Please check if the establishment is still in business and the opening times before you go. If you discover this restaurant has closed, contact me to remove it from my blog.
