Randomness Guide to London Menu

Don's Cafe is a small greasy spoon located on Surrey Street Market in central Croydon.

The decor is traditional greasy spoon — formica tables with fixed seats attached to them. A small open kitchen produces a wide variety of meals including the expected range of all-day breakfasts and other more lunch-friendly foods. The breakfasts are a typical example of the genre — you won't find organic bacon or free range eggs or anything remotely posh on offer here. The customers include local tradesmen, which can only be taken as a sign of quality to those who appreciate a good greasy spoon.

As of May 2009 there are 5 or 6 set breakfast plates available, priced between £3.50 and £4.50 but they're happy to remove or add things as you wish, and the prices for extras are clearly advertised (between about 50p and £1 depending what you want added). Breakfasts come with a mug of tea or coffee and a choice of bread and butter or toast.

Robbie and colleagues tried out the breakfast options in May 2009. The sausages were basic but functional, though the bacon was nicely cooked — just crisping up around the edges, but not dry. The hashbrowns came from a packet, as did the chips, though both were acceptable. The fried mushrooms were good though.

The staff were friendly, though the service is, as you would expect, somewhat basic.

Accessibility: A step to get in. Tables and seats are fixed to the floor. There's a wide and uncluttered aisle from the door to the service counter, which possibly leaves enough room to pull up a small wheelchair or park a small pram at the end of one of the tables (but not definitely — we haven't checked).