People’s Choice Cafe

236 Essex Rd, London N1 3AP, United Kingdom
+44 20 7704 2424
$$$ Cafe
(68 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

People’s Choice Cafe at 236 Essex Rd offers a straightforward, comfortably familiar cafe experience in the heart of London N1. It’s a spot that feels very much lived-in by locals who drop by for a solid breakfast or a no-nonsense cup of coffee. The interior is clean, bright, and welcoming — good enough to settle in with a laptop or a book, especially on a weekday morning or early afternoon when the quiet hum of conversation mingles with the clink of cutlery. There’s an ease here that suits anyone looking for a relaxed start to the day away from busier high street chains.

The menu leans classic British, featuring hearty breakfasts like English Breakfast plates, omelettes, and eggs with chips. Portions tend to be generous without fuss, which makes it a practical choice for a filling meal that won’t break the bank. Alongside traditional dishes, they also serve wraps, paninis, and sandwiches that keep things casual and convenient. The staff come across as genuinely friendly and attentive, reinforcing a community vibe rather than a purely transactional cafe visit.

Outside seating is available when the weather allows, offering a welcome spot to watch day-to-day life along Essex Road. The availability of local newspapers adds to that easygoing, neighborhood energy—perfect for those who enjoy a slow breakfast or a midday coffee break accompanied by some light reading. If you’re passing through or working nearby, this cafe blends the practical with the personable, making it a solid pick for anyone wanting a traditional English cafe environment without pretense.

People here tend to be a mix of regulars who appreciate the reliability and visitors who stumble on it looking for reassuringly familiar food and coffee. It’s not a place for culinary surprises, but it’s reliable if you want a warm, welcoming atmosphere paired with straightforward, well-prepared cafe fare at reasonable prices.

Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
What they serve
Coffee
Prepared foods
Quick bite
Small plates
Best for
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

07:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Tuesday

07:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Wednesday

07:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Thursday

07:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Friday

07:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Saturday

07:30 AM - 04:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

68 Reviews
You

31 Dec 2025

Very good coffee- I grabbed one here whist doing some work. Great spot to get some work done - very clean, bright and warm. Friendly staff and tasty sandwiches

Shyal Bhandari

19 Dec 2025

The chicken wrap, omelette, and cooked breakfasts are very satisfying. Large portions. Very friendly service.

Teodor-Ionut Cioata

15 Dec 2025

Delicious breakfast served by a lovely family definitely recommend this cafe very friendly people

M O

01 Dec 2025

Haven't got nothing bad to say . Didnt exceed my expectations. All the usuals plus outside seats and a selection of todays papers to read.

Fabio Vitiello

08 Nov 2025

Great food in a cafe run by people with a heart of gold! I have been "The People's Choice Cafe" before: it serves traditional English cafe meals (full English breakfast, mixed grill, omelette, sandwiches) as well as other food, like wraps, panini, and lamb kofte. The food is always very tasty, quickly prepared and served by the very polite staff. And the prices are very reasonable. But today I also found that the people running the cafe have a heart of true gold. There was an old lady sitting at a table and she appeared rather poor and frail. I saw one of the staff approaching her, with a pair of shoes. From the way he (together with a lady also working there) was speaking to her, this old lady was a regular customer. I noticed that, she wore only one shoe and, on the other foot, she had what looked like a cloth slipper. She was reluctant to accept the shoes, but the member of staff was not taking no as an answer, politely insisting. He explained to other customers that he had seen her come in the cafe the previous day (when it had been pouring with rain), with the slippers all drenched in water, so he got her a pair of proper shoes. Also both he and his female colleagues made it sure that the old lady would not feel embarrassed, and that she would look properly after herself. In this day and age, when selfishness seems to be the norm, it was so nice and heartwarming to see somebody caring for other people. So, together with the great food, this is another reason that will ensure I will certainly return to eat at the "People's Choice Cafe".

Roma Hemmons

19 Oct 2025

I love mom and pop shops. Great food, great service, clean and quite. The eggs were the best and the latte twice the usual for chraper. Beats Starbucks any day!

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