Comments on: So Long, Arthur Of Arthur’s Cafe

By: Mark Hill

Mark Hill — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:43:25 +0000

Arthurs cafe was amazing and the food he served was top class, the sandwiches always made up of bloomer type bread and always fresh, the bacon as succulent tasty and top quality and every thing was cooked to perfection and even his tea and coffee somehow was delightful. The cafe was always full but he always somehow accommodated everybody with a place to sit when they walked in. He was such a friendly man and always came over to the table for a chat. I remember asking him once how he always managed to keep the high quality of his food over the years and he told me that he never changed his food suppliers and never ever changed the way he ran the cafe every moment he was their. I have to say he was born to run a top grade establishment which he did to perfection & he will stay in my memory forever as it was a joy to visit his cafe.

By: Aaron

Aaron — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 10:54:46 +0000

So nice to read all these stories. I lived across the street for years and if I was up late I would often see Arthur potting about at 1am, starring to get the cafe ready, it was surreal to see. As others attest, the best service and cafe food in London. It was sad to see it close down after the funeral, I was there on the last day of business as they closed the door, it was quite emotional. Apparently Arthur had in his will it was to be sold up, I don’t know the reason why, I suppose to look after his wife. I got the impression James and staff were quite upset to not keep it running. James said they’d possibly start another cafe somewhere, does anyone know if this happened and where it is? I’d love to pop in and pay them a visit.

By: Leslie.foy

Leslie.foy — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 08:28:04 +0000

So sad to hear of Arthur’s passing.i used to have breakfast there in the seventies when i worked for Hackney Council.you could park up outside in them days.such a great man.Alwas on parade was Arthur smart and run the cafe like clockwork.some young people of today wanna read about this man and his family and their work mentally thats when life wss good and people were a lot closer and respectful.RIP Arthur

By: Mat

Mat — Tue, 17 Jul 2018 11:29:53 +0000

I live in Central America and have just come back on my annual visit. Usually my first stop (before unpacking) is Arthur’s but I’m saddened to learn he has passed and the cafe is closed for good. RIP, a true grumpy legend. (I used to go in for the good natured verbal abuse as much as the food!)
Anyone know if James has found a new site yet?

By: Mark

Mark — Sat, 19 May 2018 06:29:35 +0000

Cant believe arthurs will serve its last breakfast on friday 25th of may i would like to wish james and staff all the best and i hope you can open up somewhere nearby im sure you’ll be well supported .

By: sajid

sajid — Fri, 18 May 2018 16:47:44 +0000

My parents moved from nearby clarissa st haggerston to my present address in Dalston in summer 1979 and as a child growing up in 1980s i would see Arthurs cafe daily opposite the old Tempo when going DeBeauvoir school.
Ever since the late 1990s i would pop inside the cafe and buy the divinley made tottenham cakes absolutley delicous.
thankyou James i’l miss yah..

By: Andy

Andy — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 11:54:59 +0000

Does anyone know when the funeral is due to take place and whether he is going from the café or passing by the café, I wish to pay my respects.

By: Steven Julians

Steven Julians — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 17:39:36 +0000

Always loved the way he’d tell you what you were having if you were dithering over your choice, invariably with the comment ‘Come on, I ain’t got all bleeding day’ so you just went ‘Yeah OK Arthur, that’ll do’. A friend once asked them what coffee they did and got the classic reply ‘Black or White’

RIP Arthur

By: James Gill

James Gill — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 08:12:22 +0000

I use Arthur’s cafe every week sometimes 3 times a week, and have done for many, many years, as do many of my friends and family. It’s simply the best cafe in London, there isn’t a better cafe anywhere, Arthur has run this place like a finely tuned engine and it’s apparent from the moment you walk through the door, it’s immaculate, the food and service simply superb, the atmosphere unrivalled. Arthur was an absolute gentleman, a true east ender with many great stories, and hugely respected, he will be missed by thousands.

By: Penny

Penny — Sat, 13 Jan 2018 19:12:40 +0000

Best chips in Hackney and served by a 100% gent. Arthur personified the best of the old East End, and bridged the gap into the new. Best of luck to Arthur’s grandson – top tip, don’t change the chip recipe!