David Johnson’s Cafes
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Fredson’s Cafe, Alie St
David Johnson took these magnificent photographs of cafes in Kodachrome around 1980.
“When I lived in East London, I started this project to photograph some classic cafes, mainly in the East End – but also elsewhere as I came across them in my travels. I think it was the sign-writing and eclectic typography which were the main attractions. I realised that they were not going to be around much longer. Many were run by Italian families who started up in the post-war period. Annoyingly, I did not make a note of the locations – so if you can help, please leave a comment.”
David Johnson
Aeron Cafe
Bridge Cafe
Corner Parlour
Alfredo’s Cafe, Islington
Sign at Alfredo’s Cafe
Flock-In
Gee’s Cafe
George’s Cafe, Whitechapel
The Happy Fillet
Jim’s Cafe, Islington
Jubilee Cafe
Moon & Sixpence Cafe
Norman’s Nosh Bar
Norman’s Nosh Bar
Phyllis’s Cafe
Silvio Cafe
The Ninety Eight
The Village Rest
Viking Cafe
Magno Cafe
Leslie’s Cafe
Crawford Cafe
Cafe
Empire Cafe
Photographs copyright © David Johnson
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Wow!
Great way to wake up with these works of art to feast the eyes on. The wondrous greasy spoon. Must’ve been in one or two of those back in the day.
Really good thanks.
Delightful, I love a traditional cafe.
A lot more character than what we got in San Diego, CA. I’d try a full English breakfast in one of those cafés.
The Empire Cafe was in Cambridge Heath Road/Mare Street in a circle of shops near the canal.
Was/is Alfredo’s on Essex Road, N1?
Don’t you just miss places like this? There is one café like these left in my home town, the original was demolished to make way for a dual carriageway that ended up being rerouted due to public pressure. The newer premises have the original signage from the 50s, the owners took it with them. I’d much rather have a cup of tea and a snack in a place like this as one of the soulless chains we have to put up with now, with their fancy coffees, dry refrigerated sandwiches and even drier expensive cakes.
Looking at these photos makes me feel nostalgic..all long gone unfortunately..sandwiches rolls tea etc…no paninis, wraps, sour dough…and 20 types of coffee.. give me a cheese and pickle sandwich anyday..
What a wonderful reminder of times past.