Synopsis:

Where would we be without the traditional London caff? Milk bars, ice-cream parlours and espresso bars are all a feature of the London landscape that were borne out of the 1940s to 1960s. It is a time when floods of immigrants set up their businesses providing frothy coffee to the city's workers. Today, many of these establishments still function as caffs and have their original elaborate and shiny machines that continue to dispense no end of steam and cups of tea, and still feature vinyl and tiled floors and walls. This book provides an affectionate look at one of London's endangered species, featuring 28 caffs throughout the capital. Each example is accompanied by anecdotal captions that evoke the atmosphere and context of each place, as well as addresses and nearest tube stations, so that anyone wanting a fix of old-style London can go and find it.

'Goes beyond the Formica to show the greasy spoon as an architectural marvel' – Esquire

'This book celebrates their survival and urges you to visit while you may' – Delicious

'Forget skinny mochas – what we really want is double egg and chips' – Olive

'Fine and long overdue book. With lovingly framed photos and reverential descriptions' – Sportladsmag.com

'Buy this wonderful book featuring some of the UK's oldest, most famous and salubrious greasy spoons' – The Big Issue

'A sympathetic and affectionate survey ... Sue Barr's excellent photography captures the decaying sadness of these establishments' – Blueprint