A greasy spoon cafe with a difference.

The Venue
Two minutes walk from Mornington Crescent, eight minutes from Camden Town tube, Cafe Crescent is situated at the so-called wrong end of Camden High Street, away from the Lock and the market, down among the pound shops and dodgy pubs. No matter - it’s the perfect setting for this thoroughly local and un-poncey cafe. The window tables provide a great vantage point from which to observe the endless varieties of the human species who bustle up and down outside.

The Atmosphere
The Cafe Crescent is run by a delightful, people-loving staff and has a cheerful, bustling, friendly vibe. There are 34 covers, usually all filled. The tables have plastic red-and-white check tablecloths and a potted poinsettia on each; in December, twin snowmen and the biggest Christmas baubles you’ve ever seen hang from the ceiling. Welcoming clouds of steam rise from the kitchenette at the back.

The Food
Basically standard caff fare, but with a twist. A fine breakfast menu includes the usual full English, plus vegetarian options, and also the two extreme alternatives of the Deliciously Decadent breakfast - creamy scrambled eggs and a whole slice of smoked salmon on wholemeal toast for £5.50, with a half-bottle of champagne bringing the cost to £20 - and the Cheap and Cheerful, spam and Eggs with bottomless tea for £2.99. There’s also the Steak and Egger for those needing a protein fix.

The lunch menu is extensive for such a small place: steaks, chops, pasta, club sandwiches, fish and chips, burgers, salads and traditional English dishes are all on offer, including a seasonal Christmas special of roast turkey with stuffing and roast potataoes, carrots and sprouts. A rib-eye steak at £8.50 is also a good choice - too many places think rare means medium, but ask for a rare steak here and it comes seared on the outside and bloody within. It’s served with chips and a crisp salad with a tangy mustardy dressing. Desserts include another seasonal favourite, a rich and spicy Christmas pudding with custard, as well as a moist and solid slab of chocolate cake with fluffy whipped cream. The cooking here is unsophisticated, but you don’t see any food left on the plates.

The Drink
Tea and coffee, obviously. You can order either red or white at £10.50 a bottle; if your tastes are more expensive there’s Chablis at £19 or Chateau Neuf du Pape at £20. A good selection of liqueurs includes Tokaj at £3.50 a glass, an excellent choice to accompany dessert.

The Last Word
Cafe Crescent is a a strange mixture of high and low cuisine, but it works and keeps the customers coming back for more.

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