eggbaconchipsandbeans

Gambardella, 48 Vanburgh Park, SE3

I know Adrian Maddox sometimes thinks I just follow him around taking photos and on this occasion he's right. Anything that instantly makes his Top 10 has got to be great and since Arthur and I were heading South East to visit the dinosaurs of Crystal Palace, this seemed like the perfect place for lunch.

And I have to say it's one of the friendliest places I've ever been. Really lovely people.

The ebcb was lovely too. Mammoth chips (which are apparently much healthier), discrete egg, generous beans and a nice bit of bacon. This is what I'd call a pensioner-style ebcb. Nothing huge and show-offy. A reasonable size and good value. Which is good because there seem to be a lot of pensioners who make this a regular destination. Especially in the smoking half of the building - which is the lovely authentic bit.

The interior is magnificent. All polished and ancient and shiney. All set off by modern accoutrements like a highviz jacket.

Look at that fridge. Perfect. You feel you could get the fond-remembered ice-cream of your childhood from there.

Classic Cafe Preservation Society Meeting

The next meeting will be Friday 8th of April at the New Piccadilly. 6.30pm. If the New Picc has closed by then (which is possible) then we'll post another venue here. But this might be the last chance to go, so we should take it.

I won't be able to be there, so Patrick will be hosting.

Gino's Coffee Bar, Marylebone Place, NW1

Gino's is a splendid place opposite Marylebone Station. The ebcb is magnificent. And delivered at a hundred miles an hour. (They offer all sorts of service speed pledges - they're obviously used to people trying to catch a train.) Big, fat chips, a lovely sloppy egg, bacon hiding ready to surprise you, a good lashing of beans.

But the best thing about this place, apart from the friendly efficiency, is the exuberant use of colour and signs.

Look at those dispensers. Blue pepper. Yellow salt.

Great stools for gazing out at the commuters, nursing fin de siecle ennui and weltschmertz.

Lots of flourescence.

Great window paintings.

And marvelous plastic food. My first find in a cafe. Along with a little model chef. Superb.