It has provided the backdrop for some of the best-known British films and has been praised for its fried dishes by Michelin-starred chefs.
And now London’s iconic Regency Café could be yours for £170,000
This art deco cafe first opened in Westminster in 1946 and has appeared in BBC dramas, films such as Layer Cake, Pride and Rocketman, advertisements and even a Vogue cover shoot.
It also has a reputation for its traditional English breakfasts and has built up a loyal customer base that includes celebrities, politicians and TV chef Michel Roux Jr.
A classic breakfast of two rashers of bacon, a sausage, a fried egg, beans or tomatoes, toast and a cup of tea still costs less than £10.
The Regency Cafe, which opened on Regency Street in 1946, has been listed on Rightmove for £170,000
Known for its simple fries and fast service, it has appeared in numerous BBC dramas and films, including Layer Cake (pictured).
The cafe also served as the backdrop for the hit Elton John biopic Rocketman, an advertisement and a Vogue cover shoot.
The classic café breakfast, with two rashers of bacon, a sausage, a fried egg, beans or tomatoes, toast and a cup of tea, still costs less than £10.
Meanwhile, lunch dishes, which cost around £9, include spaghetti bolognese, chicken curry and, on Fridays, fish and chips.
The advert says the cafe, owned by Antonio Perotti and Gino Schiavetta since 1986, “presents a fantastic opportunity to take over a well-established and iconic establishment”.
It is being sold by Christie & Co, a property adviser specializing in businesses such as pubs and restaurants.
The agent in charge of the sale, David Wilson, told the Standard There had been “a lot of interest” in the ten-year lease.
Reviews of the restaurant on TripAdvisor called it “an essential London institution.”
She appeared in a Volkswagen advertising campaign and a cover shoot for the Japanese edition of Vogue.
A classic breakfast of two rashers with bacon, a sausage, a fried egg, beans or tomatoes, toast and a cup of tea still costs less than £10.
The coffee was even used for an advert with Harry Redknapp for the BT Sport app in association with EE.
The advert on Rightmove said: ‘Known for its hearty, authentic English breakfasts, the cafe serves generous portions at reasonable prices.
‘The Regency Café has a loyal customer base, including local workers, politicians and celebrities.
‘Due to its popularity on social media, the cafe also attracts tourists looking for a traditional coffee experience.
“The coffee has appeared in several film and television productions, adding to its iconic status.”
Wilson had said there were no protections for the business, meaning anyone could buy it and run it as they saw fit.
However, Westminster Council told the Standard it will ensure the site is not redeveloped.
“To be clear, we will not allow the site to become something different as we want to preserve the spirit and heritage that this iconic cafe brings, which aligns with the wishes of the current owners,” said Councilor David Boothroyd, cabinet member for finance and corporate property said.
The character of the restaurant has remained the same over the years, with the original tiles and Formica tables with photographs of Tottenham players hanging on the walls.
Reviews of the restaurant on TripAdvisor called it “an essential London institution” and many consider it a historic example of an Italian-British cafe comparable to E Pellici in Bethnal Green and Mario’s in Kentish Town.