Sam's Bar and Restaurant is a no-frills local café and bar on Victoria Road in Romford, just steps from the station. It's the kind of unpretentious neighbourhood spot where you can grab a full breakfast, a casual lunch, or settle in for drinks with mates — all without leaving the same postcode. Open seven days a week from 9am to 7pm, it's a reliable fixture for Havering locals who want decent food and a lively atmosphere without the trek into central London.
A no-nonsense Romford café-bar with a surprisingly strong drinks selection and a vibrant atmosphere, just steps from the station.
Go for breakfast before 10am on weekends to beat the local rush — the fry-ups go fast and tables fill up quickly.
Romford's reliable all-day café-bar with a proper drinks list
If you're looking for a proper local spot in Romford that doesn't pretend to be anything it's not, Sam's Bar and Restaurant on Victoria Road is your answer. It's a café-bar hybrid that opens at 9am every single day and serves up the kind of hearty, no-nonsense food you actually want when you're not in the mood for anything fancy. The full English breakfast is the morning go-to, and the all-day menu covers the café classics you'd expect — sandwiches, fry-ups, and comfort food that does the job without breaking the bank.
Where Sam's really earns its stripes is the bar side. Reviewers consistently praise the wide range of drink options and the bartenders who know what they're doing. It's got a fun, vibrant atmosphere that makes it a natural choice for a night out with friends — you can start with a meal and stay for drinks without having to move on anywhere else. The fact that it's practically next door to Romford station (0.06 miles, according to listings) means it's easy to get to, and easy to get home from.
It's not going to win any Michelin stars, and that's entirely the point. Sam's scored a solid 4 out of 5 on its most recent food safety inspection (and a 5 — Very Good — the time before that), so you're in safe hands. With a 4.8 rating on Restaurant Guru from those who've bothered to review it, this is a place that quietly does what it does well. Pop in for breakfast, come back for a pint, and you'll understand why the regulars keep coming back.