Exploring the Delicious Slices of London: A Look at Cafes from the 1980s

Ivy Café, Lewisham, 1990

In Peter Marshall’s second collection of photographs capturing the cafes of London between 1980 and 1990, we are transported back to a time before chain coffee shops dominated the high street. Mo’s, Maggie’s, Ivy’s, Pegy’s and more, these cafes offered a glimpse into a simpler era, prior to the plethora of styles and flavors available today.

Stepping back in time, this collection takes us to a London where almond milk was yet to be discovered and syrup was a fashion accessory. A time when the most important question to ask was, “how do you take your coffee – with or without?” This series offers a nostalgic look at a unique slice of London life.

More Flickr h/t: flashbak

Como café, High St, Walthamstow, Waltham Forest, 1989

Pegy’s Cafe, 75, Atlantic Rd, Brixton, Lambeth, 1987

Cafe, Earl’s Court, Kensington & Chelsea, 1987

Bambinos, Café, Fulham, West Kensington, Hammersmith & Fulham, 1990

Café, Caledonian Rd, Pentonville, Islington, 1990

St Pancras Cafe, Pancras Rd, Kings Cross, Camden, 1990

Victory Cafe, Hackney Rd, Bethnal Green, Tower Hamlets, 1986

Joe’s Cafe, Old Kent Rd, Peckham, Southwark, 1989

The Cafe, Kilburn High Rd, Brondesbury, Camden, 1988

Maggie’s Cafe, Silk Mills Path, Lewisham, 1990

San Remo Cafe, Lancaster Rd, Notting Hill, Kensington & Chelsea, 1988

The Recession Cafe, Islington Green, 1989

Cafe des Artistes, Finborough Rd, West Brompton, Kensington & Chelsea, 1988

Josies CAFE, Mantle Rd, Brockley, Lewisham, 1990

Mo’s Cafe, Clarence St area, East Hull, 1989

Sun Cafe, 20, Sun St, Finsbury, City, 1986

Café, Poplar, Tower Hamlets, 1990

Takeaway, Café, Marsham St, London, 1987

Regent Cafe, Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, Tower Hamlets, 1986

Ruby In The Dust, Cafe, Restaurant, Camden High St, Camden, 1987

Parma Cafe, 59a, Camden Rd, Camden, 1986

Café, High St, Walthamstow, Waltham Forest, 1989