Diana's Diner

Diana's Diner is my favourite place in London to have a simple cheap English breakfast (despite the fact that it's owned by a portuguese man). A full breakfast is around £3,95 and it's right there, in Covent Garden, where everything is so expensive. The coffee is good and who doesn't love a greasy spoon? (everything there is quite clean, actually). They also have some wooden tables outside, where it's really nice to eat and watch the crowd when the weather cooperates.

It might seem silly to get worked up over a greasy spoon, but there really is something special about Diana’s. Can’t quite put my finger on it. It’s a bright and inviting little place that serves up a solid breakfast. The service is quick and pleasant, the street is great for people watching, and the prices is unfathomably low for Covent Garden. No frills, no pretense, and some darned good bacon.

When I was working near Seven Dials, I ate at Diana’s Diner almost every day - sometimes twice a day. It does an excellent fry-up. The fried bread is of a particularly high quality, crisp and golden without excessive greasiness.

They also do salads and such if you like that kind of thing. I have no idea what they’re like - why would I want to find out when there are bacon and sausages?

Much beloved old fashioned working men’s cafe amongst the new-fangled chain nonsense now creeping over Covent Garden. The walls are adorned with signed photos of stars, mostly actors and actresses, who have visited the cafe - a reminder of bygone theatreland days. Cosy and comfy.

I love this place - though I only ever have the same thing when I go so I can’t vouch for anything other than the egg, beans and chips. And the tea. The tea is great too. Lovely staff as well.

All in all, a great place for a fry up! (Though the produce is of dubious provenance - would be five stars if they did free range stuff).