It’s said that London’s the most unfriendly city in the world.
Sometimes I’m inclined to agree: fights to get onto the tube (and then eerie silence once you’re squished inside). A total absence of anyone with the time to give you directions when you’re lost, and very few “have a nice days” from busy waitresses.
Having said this, it’s an awesome city to live in. These things only aggravate me when I let them. But this morning I woke up with toothache. And feeling queasy from antibiotics I’m taking for the toothache. And in a thunderstorm in the middle of June. Needless to say, I was not in a good mood.
So – one piece of advice. If you’re EVER grumpy, then head straight to E.Pellicci as fast as possible.
This cult cafe has been a Bethnal Green institution for decades. It was founded in 1900 and is still run by the same Italian family…who look very Italian and have the best East End accents which have been honed over generations and generations.
It is singularly the kindest, chattiest place I’ve ever been to. The Scottish couple on the table next to us were given a free bowl of chips “for travelling so far”. A paint-splattered builder turned up for his “regular” and an American woman pushing a pram popped by for a coffee and a chat. You’re catapulted to the centre of this buzzing Italian family – our swarthy, bearded waiter swore, apologised, smiled cheekily, and then swore again. There’s a glorious lack of airs and graces that make you feel instantly relaxed and at home.
Don’t expect your own table – just squidge up next to the others there who could be enjoying anything from an all-day breakfast to a lump of fruitcake and tea, or one of the Italian specialties – pasta, lasagne or chicken.
Although it’s the full experience that makes E.Pellicci so special, the breakfast was pretty special. Sure, it wasn’t the healthiest of meals, as I suspect that everything was cooked in huge quantities of oil….but it was delicious. Tom (who rates himself as a serious fry-up connoisseur) said it was “the best I’ve had in the East End” which means that it hands-down beats all of mine. And I’m willing to agree.
If you live in the East End, get there straight away. If you’re not lucky enough to live Eastwards, then make a special trip for some great food and London love.