The iconic Regency Cafe in Westminster has reopened under new ownership and fears have been growing over whether the change will impact the local community.
The Pimlico art deco cafe was first opened in 1946 and run by Antonio Perotti and Gino Schiavetta from 1989, operating as a family run business until 2024.
Selling itself as a no frills corner cafe, offering a traditional full English breakfast, the cafe has been home to Vogue photoshoots and movie sets.
Now back in action after a year and a half, the announcement of the new owners Fevzi and Zafer Gugnor caused frequent customers to worry over potential changes.
Senior product consultant and Westminster resident, Jorge Baltazar, explained: “The businesses that serve the area are local businesses that have been there for a very long time; they’re only frequented by the locals.
“The majority of pubs and restaurants aren’t chains, they’re mostly independents or smaller chains.
“We’ve seen over the last couple of years that a lot of the smaller businesses have been bought up by larger chains, which means you’re not going into the restaurant and seeing the same familiar face that knows your name and order.”
The 28-year-old cafe frequenter added: “These people are probably buying it with the intention of turning it into a cash cow, which isn’t ideal.
“I just hope that the people who have bought it care about the impact on the community.”
These worries were addressed when Westminster City Council promised to ensure the traditional greasy spoon would be maintained as such; the same decor and low priced menu will be featured under the new ownership.
The new owner, Gugnor spoke to Time Out Magazine about his plans for the cafe: “We may look at expanding the kitchen to cater for Halal dining, reflecting the diverse communities and tourists we serve.
“I’d love to see The Regency name in global cities – Amsterdam, Berlin, Istanbul, Dubai – but our immediate focus is on Regency Street.
“We want to ensure it continues to be a place where locals and visitors alike can enjoy one of London’s best breakfasts.”
The cafe’s menu covers classic dishes including fish and chips and full English breakfast, as well as other well-known dishes including fried liver and bubble and squeak.
The cafe, running again since 22 July this year, is open from 7am to 2.30pm, as well as 4pm to 7.15pm on Mondays through Fridays.
It is also open from 7am to 12pm on Saturdays.
Cllr David Boothroyd, Westminster City Council cabinet member for finance and council reform, said: “We were pleased that we could keep the premises being used as a cafe, and both the new tenant and the council are committed to preserving its spirit and heritage.
“The new tenant presented a business plan showing a clear intention to maintain the cafe’s offering, which included a menu and pricing which closely matched what customers are used to.
“We’re confident the cafe will continue to be a familiar and welcoming space for the community.”
Featured image credit: Lucy Pughe-Morgan
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