This is a city that never stands still, but even in an ever-changing landscape, there are still plenty of old-school gems knocking about. Take E Pellicci, a proper caff – rather than a café – offering monumental fry-ups and pasta lunches large enough to put you to sleep for the rest of the afternoon. Decked out in Formica and staffed by friendly sorts keen to chat with the kind of warmth that some (wrongly!) say you don’t get in the capital, the Italian gaff has been here since 1900. Its distinctively diminutive Victorian building has been awarded Grade II listed status, while the venue is named after matriarch Elide Pellicci, who worked here from day one. Despite the fact that it was once a hang-out for the Kray twins, there’s an unshakeable family feel to the place. So be warned if you’ve crawled in to quietly nurse a hangover: banter is guaranteed.
Time Out tip
Celebs and photoshoots gravitate towards E Pellicci’s authentic spirit; you never know who you might bump into. Harry Styles filmed a (tiny!) bit of the music video for ‘Late Night Talking’ here in 2022.
What’s nearby?
The Young V&A Museum is about 10 minutes away. Given that E Pellicci’s chaotic vibe is perfect for the kids, you’ve got all the makings of a great day out right there.
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