A notably affordable Cricklewood cafe for generous traditional breakfasts and comfort food, with warm local hospitality overall but isolated concerns about coffee execution, hygiene, billing, and welcome.
Early's Cafe & Bistro delivers strong food quality and attentive service that keep regulars returning, with breakfasts, roasts, and coffee earning consistent praise. Inconsistent execution on some visits and a modest, comfort-focused setting rather than distinctive design prevent a higher grade, though excellent value for money reinforces its appeal as a reliable neighborhood spot.
Early's is the sort of Cricklewood Broadway cafe people use as a neighborhood anchor: casual, welcoming, and built around substantial breakfasts rather than theatrical dining. Reviews repeatedly describe friendly owners, efficient service, and a relaxed room; one visitor summed up the appeal as feeling like a place where you are made to feel at home. Its proximity to local accommodation also makes it a handy alternative to hotel breakfast. The cooking is traditional British cafe fare in the best straightforward sense: full English breakfasts, roast beef, lamb, pies, burgers, jacket potatoes, and puddings. Generous portions and remarkably low menu prices are the headline strengths, with the current menu supporting the value claims. Coffee is more variable: many guests praise the cappuccino, while one detailed recent account reports a poorly executed latte and burnt flavor. A few older reviews also raise billing or food-quality concerns, so check the order when paying. For families, the menu is genuinely accommodating: chicken nuggets, burgers, sausages, chips, pasta, sandwiches, omelettes, simple eggs, sundaes, pie, and chocolate cake give children plenty of familiar choices. Vegetarian items are also available. However, dogs were explicitly refused in one review, and diners needing non-pork substitutions should confirm options in advance.
Area vibe: Suburban, diverse, and locally commercial with high-street shops and transport links.
Safety: Generally safe with active daytime footfall though quieter and less well-lit at night in some pockets.
What's nearby: Situated on Cricklewood Broadway near shops, bus routes, train/Overground links and local services.
The best starting points range from a £5.70 Full English to a £9.00 Mixed Grill, with several traditional puddings to follow.
Expect an informal, good-value cafe, but keep an eye on coffee quality, dog access, substitutions, and the final bill.
The low prices and substantial portions make Early's strongest value territory, although premium grills and inconsistent extras deserve a closer look.