Customary Cafes Offer Respite From London‘s pricey Breakfast Scene
London, UK – As London’s breakfast options increasingly cater to a high-end clientele, a growing number of residents are finding solace – and a more satisfying meal – in the city’s traditional cafes, often dubbed “greasy spoons.” Broadcaster and Guardian columnist Adrian Chiles recently highlighted the appeal of these establishments,praising their affordability,quality of food,and authentic working-class atmosphere.
Chiles argues that the escalating costs of breakfast at more upscale venues can be financially draining, leaving diners feeling as though they’ve “played three off the tee” for the rest of the workday. He specifically notes the superior quality of eggs Benedict served in these cafes compared to their “silver platter” counterparts, alongside the simple pleasure of tea served in mugs, dismissing the “faff” of teacups and strainers. Beyond the practical benefits, Chiles emphasizes the sense of connection fostered by observing fellow diners – builders, plumbers, and engineers – engaged in “proper clever work doing proper stuff.”
The columnist positions these cafes as a bastion of tangible labor in a city increasingly dominated by white-collar professions, questioning the purpose of those engaged in “highly remunerative…capers.” He acknowledges a personal affinity with the cafe’s clientele, suggesting that professions like his own - broadcasting, writing, and psychotherapy – align more readily with the values represented by the cafe’s patrons. Chiles concludes with a note of optimism,suggesting that the skills of the tradespeople frequenting these cafes are currently more secure from automation than those of their “clever-dick” counterparts in the financial sector.
