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    The Attendant

    4.5 (90 reviews)
    InexpensiveCoffee & Tea, Cafes
    Closed 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

    The Attendant Photos

    THE ATTENDANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

    Recommended Reviews - The Attendant

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    Reviews With Photos

    Outside
    David S.

    Honestly, why isn't the place in Melbourne, especially since Melbourne did, at least at one stage, have quite a few underground public toilets. Mind you, I suspect that this place is located in a former toilet, underground. Mind you, it is quite like a lot of the English cafes in that they don't really serve breakfast, at least not in the traditional Australian sense, but they do have food - mainly toasties. However, the atmosphere here was pretty awesome, and they did make a pretty awesome coffee. Oh, yeah, I also learnt about it from a friend who was in the know.

    Urinal bar is awesome
    Gab G.

    VICTORIAN ERA URINAL COFFEE SHOP! This place is awesome. The flat white I had was amazing - as was the banana bread - and the brekkie roll was solid. The service was also very friendly. I obviously sat in the converted toilet area (according to one barista, "For some people it's so triggering they won't even sit at the urinal bar," but I've never used a urinal so that was not a problem for me) and easily passed an hour. To all of the reviewers who were "skeptical" over the concept or were afraid of potential smells... you do know it hasn't been a toilet in like 100 years, right??

    Entrance!

    Such a fun cafe! In a refurbished public men's bathroom from the Victorian times! It's got PHENOMENAL coffee and a great team working for them! Me and my friend loved! Definitely a great stop! It is rather small, so plan to either get your coffee to go or not stay long!

    Entrance
    Grace P.

    Back in 2019 when we didn't have worries of this apocalypse, I was blessed to be able to travel and experience some different parts of the world I'm a coffee lover...some call me a coffee snob. Anytime I travel ANYWHERE, my yelp list ALWAYS includes a bunch of coffee shops to try First off, I love that in London I can take the tube to almost anywhere and a lot of things are walking distance Now...this place can be missed, it's very unassuming as you walk by...but what wonders lie below... So from what I was told by one of the baristas, the coffee shop used to be a public toilet that's 140 years old (of course remodeled) but funny, no toilets available The baristas are very nice and patient with you and will talk to you about the history (which I'm sure they get asked a lot) There is WiFi which is nice because no reception since you're pretty much underground When I was in London, they really loved their flat white, which is what I got, and it was great. Very smooth, nice temperature, felt like I could chug it down...no bitterness to the espresso, a creamy mouthfeel This kind of place is why I loved London...the history...even if it's a small coffee shop, the fact that they're preserving something part of the city's history, this is why I would recommend the place...and the coffee too

    Entrance
    Maggi R.

    Every now and then you come across something that piques your interest. Years ago, I read about The Attendant and decided we had to see it. On our previous trips to London, we managed to fill our time and were not able to get here. So on this trip; we were determined to see The Attendant. It is located on Foley Street about a 5 minute walk from Oxford Street. What an interesting concept: a coffee house inside a Victorian gentlemen's toilet. I know it sounds really odd, but it was really cool. The entrance is extremely ornate with lots of decorative wrought iron. We came down the steps and rounded the corner to be warmly greeted by Charlie and Daniel. Yes, it still does look like a men's room, but it is tastefully redone into a specialty coffee house. It was built around 1890 and closed in the mid 1960's. (It was empty for more than 50 years.) You get to see the original Doulton & Co porcelain urinals, which have been transformed into green velvet seating to match the original Victorian floor tiles. The space is small, but cozy. The seating is, in fact, designed around these urinals. Charlie ground the beans for our coffees and suggested that we try a slice of the banana bread with honey butter. Oh my, the banana bread was over the top! They serve up breakfast, brunch and lunch until 4 pm along with great coffee and teas. The hours are mostly from 8 am to 5 pm due check their website to confirm. Charlie told us a lot about the space. They do not take reservations, so it is best to pick a quiet time to visit like we did - around 10 am. If you are looking for something off the beaten path, The Attendant is for you. We were delighted that we had the chance to visit.

    Avocado Toast with Salmon & English Breakfast Tea

    The food at this place was absolutely delicious, the Staff were very attentive, overall great service. The place itself is a little small since it was converted from being a restroom which makes it cool. The vibe and atmosphere of the place were great. Definitely would recommend and come back.

    Avocado toast with bacon and a an iced mocha
    Frankie S.

    My favorite favorite cafe in all of London with such a unique location and style! The one in Fitzrovia is located quite literally in an old converted underground bathroom, but the decor is so unique and cool. Small spot, but cute tables for a date with 2-3 friends. I absolutely loved their avocado toast. It has a layer of sweet potato, which I have never seen but is so delicious, and I always added bacon. They have great other food options and coffee drinks. Overall, a must cafe in London!

    Angel M.

    This place is amazing! The iced latte, vegan apple cake and orange pistachio and rosemary cake are to die for!! Can't wait to come back!

    Mindy L.

    (Disclosure: came here in November 2019) Sorry, I really wanted to like this place for a quick pick me up after a long day but nope. The cappuccinos tasted diluted and were not strong at all. The tables weren't even wiped down as I saw crumbs and coffee stains in each "stall." And it really smelled like a public restroom without ventilation. Lesson learned: the photos on social media are highly deceiving. Service: the waiters were quite rude and ignored us. They were literally behind the counter just chatting amongst themselves.

    The Attendant, Fitzrovia London UK
    Diva D.

    Amazing little gem! Cozy wee coffee shop with exceptionally good breakfast. The Cappucino was perfect--not too hot and not too cold. Hot chocolate was smooth and balanced. Staff were laid-back and welcoming. Ham and cheese croissant was perfect, and the pastries were delightful, fresh and tasty. The listing here states "Not good for kids", but I would have to say that my teenaged son LOVED "going underground" for a unique and delicious breakfast! Well worth a visit!

    Reminds me of my school days...
    Uli B.

    George Michael must be disappointed that public loos are being converted into hipster coffee shops these days... Nice coffee shop in the midst of Fitzrovia. They offer your standard range of the modern coffee shop: coffee in all its variation (from lattes, to flat whites etc), an assortment of fancy teas, sandwiches on English muffins or large slices of bread, brownies and other stuff. If you're a woman and always wanted to know about what a male loo looks from the inside - this is your chance to find out!

    Banana bread!

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    2 years ago

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    4 months ago

    Good service, communications and proper employees, I can recommend this place....

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    2 years ago

    Amazing ambience. Very friendly and attentive staff. Great coffee and the best avocado toast I've ever had. Coming back imm

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    3 years ago

    Quirky but cute surroundings. Very nice people behind the counter. And most importantly-great coffee and great food. Highly recommend

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    Page 1 of 3

    The Attendant Reviews in Other Languages

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    Bloomsbury Cafe - Neapolitan pasta

    Bloomsbury Cafe

    4.0(23 reviews)
    0.6 miBloomsbury
    £

    So my mother and I ate at a lot of eateries while we were in London last year. Only Bloomsbury Cafe…read moreleft us declaring defeat: we just couldn't finish our meals here. Their servings are HUGE, and are so affordable too! I left wishing my mother and I had the ability to save our leftovers for later, because we hated wasting any of the delicious food that we ordered. Even before we got our food we were pretty excited. When you walk in you're greeted here with a beautiful sight: fresh sandwiches, bread, and pastries, all on display right at their main counter. Once we were seated I noticed little flower pots line the window, too. Fresh food and flowers - what more can you ask from a cafe for a first impression? We also loved the owner and his wife: they were very kind and they constantly kept us up to date on our food order, just to mention what was done and what they still needed to do or cook. They clearly work hard to provide fresh fast meals - and we learned quickly as people came in and out of the place that takeaway is available here. But we wanted to enjoy a sit down meal, and enjoy we did! I started mine with fresh squeezed juice - we're talking so fresh you'll want to add sugar to it if you're used to the juice that comes in stores. And when our English breakfasts came out? Just, wonderful. My mother and I each received SO much food. Both meals came with amazing buttered bread (like, I would have happily eaten an entire plate of bread and only bread), hash browns so fresh that they may as well have given us the original potatoes (yum), and what I can really only describe as a mountain of beans, eggs, and meat (well, on mine anyway - not so much on my mother's vegetarian breakfast order). All of it absolutely delicious, and every single bite made me smile wider and wider. Definitely walk on in if you're near this little shop. Don't be afraid to order one meal and share it if there's only two of you, either - you'll likely both leave well fed, and you can always order a little more food if you want too from that great looking counter of theirs...

    Had the New Yorker. Hit and fresh bread, what you want in a panini. Staff was friendly and…read moreefficient. I'd eat here again if you just want a quick sandwich and not in the mood for pub food. Though I did not have any, their desserts look really good too.

    Photos
    Bloomsbury Cafe - Freshly baked Fugasun is only 168 calories, light and perfect for a quick lunch that won't give you food coma.

    Freshly baked Fugasun is only 168 calories, light and perfect for a quick lunch that won't give you food coma.

    Bloomsbury Cafe - Full breakfast!

    Full breakfast!

    Bloomsbury Cafe - Show a smile, the man behind the counter takes great personal pride in his shop and your experience.

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    Show a smile, the man behind the counter takes great personal pride in his shop and your experience.

    Ishta's Cafe - Front of Ishta's

    Ishta's Cafe

    5.0(3 reviews)
    0.1 miFitzrovia
    £

    Lovely little café! I went there yesterday for lunch and the café owner were extremely nice. They…read moreoffer a variety of different sandwiches, quiche as well as warm meals. I had rice with meatballs in a tomatoe sauce which was a bit hot and very delicious. The waitress (I guess the owner of the café) was very nice and friendly, did ask if we want drinks or dessert. You can sit outside and inside. I would highly recommend you trying this café and I love to go there again next time I am in London!

    This is one of London's remaining "proper" cafes. The owners are genuinely lovely and welcome…read moreeveryone with a smile and even remember you if it's been months between visits. I always come to this establishment if I'm in the area and demand that my colleagues meet me there. I've never heard a complaint. Many local establishments wouldn't know a "full English" of it slapped them across the back of their legs, but you won't be disappointed here. Decent, tasty, full-sized sausages, quality bacon and all of the assorted extras that would set anybody for the day. The coffee is good and if you've still got space for lunch later, they also sell a range of delicious sandwiches. The owners are flying the flag for English (no fuss) breakfasts. The interesting thing is that neither of the owners are native Brits, but they've certainly created a welcome oasis in this part of London. Even the health conscious and vegetarians will be happy. Highly recommended.

    Photos
    Ishta's Cafe - Front

    Front

    Ishta's Cafe

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    The Attendant - coffee - Updated May 2026

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