Seemor
Bay Leaf CafeA-Worth Trying
19 Tottenham St, London W1T 2AN
· Restaurant, Breakfast restaurant, Cafe
· 4.6/5 Google (220 reviews)
Outdoor seating
A tiny Fitzrovia greasy-spoon-style cafe delivering hot, generous English breakfasts, friendly service, and strong coffee at fair central-London prices, with occasional service hiccups and one serious hygiene complaint to note.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Bay Leaf Cafe delivers reliable breakfast excellence through strong food quality and exceptional service attentiveness, earning a solid A- grade. Outstanding speed and generous portions at fair prices make it competitive with London's better neighborhood cafes, though the modest intimate setting and occasional consistency dips prevent grade A territory. A hidden gem for those seeking authentic, unpretentious breakfast done well.
Restaurant Summary
Tucked on a Fitzrovia side street, Bay Leaf Cafe feels like a warm and bustling little greasy spoon where plates land hot and fast. Reviewers rave about the coffee and generous fry-ups, with one noting, "my breakfast arrived piping hot and hit the spot." Service is usually friendly and quick, though a couple of diners reported lapses where they felt ignored. The cooking is classic and comfort-forward: full English, big breakfast baps, burgers, simple pastas, and jacket potatoes. Nothing fussy, just straightforward plates cooked hot with portions that surprise for the location. Expect old-school cafe rhythm rather than trend-chasing frills; it suits people who want a fast, filling breakfast or lunch without ceremony. Families will find it easy to order for kids: eggs on toast, sausages, chips, burgers, and mild pastas are all familiar. There is no kids menu, but the food is simple and accessible and staff are typically happy to tweak. Those needing vegan, halal, or strict cross-contamination protocols should check ahead, as options and processes appear limited.
At a Glance
- Big, hot full English and baps with generous portions
- Friendly, fast service and strong coffee
- Good value for central London location
- Occasional service lapses and missed items
- One detailed hygiene/cross-contamination complaint
What Sets It Apart
- hearty_full_english_in_central_London
- tiny_hidden_gem_ambience
- Portuguese_influence_with_prego_bifana
What People Love
- That first sip of smooth, rich coffee
- Piping-hot plates that land quickly
- Hearty portions that keep you full till afternoon
- Welcoming staff that remember regulars
- Classic cafe comfort without the fuss
Points of Concern
- Occasional poor acknowledgment or forgotten items reported by a few diners
- One serious allegation of cross-contamination and hygiene; uncorroborated but noteworthy
- Limited vegan/halal and formal dietary accommodations
- Tiny space can feel tight at peak breakfast times
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£12-18 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Pair a full English (£9-10 reported) with coffee for under £15
- For lunch value, consider the beef burger (£5.20) or lasagne (£5.40) with a side salad (£1.20)
Perfect For
- A fast, filling workday breakfast
- Budget-friendly central London bite
- Solo coffee and a bap before meetings
- Groups of colleagues grabbing a casual fry-up
Location Insights
Area: Central Fitzrovia side street with offices, media firms, and student footfall; casual weekday bustle.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit central area with steady foot traffic.
Nearby: Near Tottenham Court Road, UCL, and Euston within walking reach; many cafes and pubs nearby.
FitzroviaThe dining scene in Fitzrovia is diverse, ranging from trendy cafes and casual eateries to upscale restaurants and traditional pubs. The area attracts a mix of office workers, local residents, and visitors seeking a lively yet somewhat relaxed atmosphere with a strong emphasis on quality and innovation in food.
Charlotte StreetCharlotte Street, adjacent to Tottenham Street, is renowned for its dense concentration of restaurants and bars, making it a culinary hotspot within Fitzrovia. It offers a bustling, cosmopolitan vibe with a variety of international cuisines and a popular destination for both casual dining and special occasions.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday06:00–16:00
Tuesday06:00–16:00
Wednesday06:00–16:00
Thursday06:00–16:00
Friday06:00–16:00
Saturday07:00–14:00
Sunday
Available: Outdoor seating
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