‘Blink and you might miss’ is an age-old saying.
London – despite listicles and Instagram accounts dedicated to uncovering hidden gems – is full of food spots you may just walk right on by. That’s the case with Pantry Cafe. Located in Stratford, surrounded by new high-rises, colourful buildings, and an influx of new residents, Pantry Cafe is like taking a trip back in time.
It’s a no-frills cafe that looks like something from the 90s and 2000s. Traditional ‘builders’ cafes’ are a staple in working-class communities and East London had plenty of them. As years passed, those builders’ cafes have become less and less common, often replaced with more modern, trendy cafes with their avocados and sourdough. Yet the Pantry Cafe has stayed true to its roots and it’s right next door to Stratford High Street DLR station.
The interiors are simple and classic and that is part of the charm -Credit:Ayo Oluwalana
Tiled walls, a simple menu, white marble tables and efficient service – you can’t ask for more. If you were to walk along Stratford High Street, you could easily walk past the cafe because it looks so unassuming, but that’s what makes it great.
One Google reviewer wrote: “The Pantry Cafe is one of those classic no-frills London spots that feels refreshingly authentic. Walking in, you’re greeted by a simple, old-school interior—tiled walls, basic tables, and a quiet, local atmosphere that hasn’t been polished for tourists. It’s the kind of place where the focus is clearly on the food rather than the decor.
“I ordered a traditional English breakfast, and it delivered exactly what you’d hope for: generous portions, properly cooked bacon and sausages, baked beans, and eggs done right. The toast with butter on the side was simple but satisfying, and the tea completed the experience perfectly. Nothing fancy, just solid, comforting food. The Pantry Cafe is a great choice if you want an honest, traditional British breakfast in a down-to-earth setting. Not stylish, not modern—but genuine, filling, and good value for money.”
Altun has been running Pantry Cafe for 20 years with efficient service and consistent food -Credit:Ayo Oluwalana
It’s a simple operation as well. Altun is the face you will see if you walk in, and he’s always hard at work. He has been the man in the cafe for the last 20 years and as the area has changed around him, the cafe has stood strong with an occasional helping hand.
He told MyLondon: “I’ve been here 20 years but the cafe was here before that. The cafe hasn’t changed, but the area has. We have more students coming in and then builders as well. I like the balance. I keep the prices cheap because we’ve got students and workmen; I think it’s a good price. The more buildings that come, the more people that come in.”
As the area constantly changes in Stratford, Pantry Cafe is authentically British and it is easy to see why people love it so much. The prices are affordable, with a full English breakfast only costing £10. It provides everything you’d want in a full English that doesn’t break the bank.
£10 for a full English makes Pantry cafe a gem -Credit:Ayo Oluwalana
One person wrote on Google: “This is the apex of British Society. Somehow, a chunk of 1977 has been preserved in this cafe and it really is the best thing ever. I cannot recommend it enough. Please go.”
Another person wrote: “The food is absolutely lovely with cheap prices for nowadays. Worth every penny and the gentleman serving the food has never been rude in the 3 years I’ve been coming here.”
Somebody who said they were a student wrote about how there was “nothing better than turning up at 6:00am and tucking in after an all-nighter.” They also spoke about getting your coffee served in a mug with a “greasy handle” – now that is authenticity you can’t get in many places.
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