Comments on: David Johnson’s Cafes

By: B Smith

B Smith — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 14:13:13 +0000

They all look like likely subjects for Doreen Fletcher’s paintings.

By: Jan T

Jan T — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 10:36:18 +0000

Can’t help with locations but agree about the fabulous sign writing – every one individual and full of character – thanks for sharing.

By: Annie S

Annie S — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:33:27 +0000

Alfredo’s Cafe in Islington, near the corner of Essex Road and St Peters Street, has survived under a new name but the old signage around the lower parts of the windows has been retained!

By: Cherub

Cherub — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:24:05 +0000

How I miss old fashioned cafés like these. We had a great one on my hometown High St until about 4 years ago, someone bought the building and promptly evicted the café owner. A kebab takeaway moved in, that went west after about 9 months. Now it’s a café again but it’s South American fare. The original café was owned by Italians and had great home cooked food and service, I used to go there for lunch every day in the 70s when I worked in an office nearby, their chocolate cake was fabulous.

By: Barry E J Smith

Barry E J Smith — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:17:52 +0000

Alfredo’s was for many years in Essex Road, near Islington Green. The Empire Cafe was in Hackney in Cambridge Heath Road (near the canal).

By: Marcia Howard

Marcia Howard — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 08:55:07 +0000

Fabulous glimpse into the past…

By: ANDY STROWMAN

ANDY STROWMAN — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 07:33:41 +0000

These photos are very evocative .
Does anyone remember Eisenberg’s cafe which became United Fairies in Whitechapel Road ?
Andy

By: Karin

Karin — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 05:15:18 +0000

Gorgeous pictures, thank you so much!
I was living in Islington in the late 1980s and treasure these dear mementos.
Karin, Berlin