Elly's Cafe

Elly's Cafe is the kind of place you'd find in a proper British high street, tucked away on Brighton Road in South Croydon. Named after a staff member's daughter, this small eatery has been a local favourite since 1996, and it's easy to see why. The breakfast menu is the star here, with almost every TripAdvisor review raving about the mouthwatering bacon, sizzling sausages, and fantastic fried onions. It's a morning meal of dreams for the locals who make the short trek from East Croydon Station.

The cafe has a maroon exterior and wooden decking that gives it an early noughties feel, and inside you'll find gorgeous artwork painted on the walls that adds a pop of enthusiasm to the otherwise plain colour scheme. The staff are warm and friendly, greeting you with a smile and serving food fast—your breakfast should reach the table in under five minutes. They're not just about breakfast though; the substantial menu includes burgers, omelettes, and even fish and chips, which I tried at 3pm and found delightfully tender with golden chips and a suspiciously large mound of peas.

This isn't a trendy spot with artisanal coffee and avocado toast. It's a no-frills, traditional cafe where the focus is on good, hearty food and friendly service. The tables are immaculately clean, and the atmosphere is welcoming. If you're after a proper British breakfast or a casual lunch in Croydon, Elly's is the place to go.