The Canteen Cafe in Tower Hamlets

At first this cafe was good, went to it a good few times and the food was fine. Slowly the quality of the food seemed to be getting worse but I gave it benefit of the doubt, might’ve just been a bad day. That was until a few weeks ago I bought chips and 2 sausages with a sauce packet (brown sauce), when I opened the brown sauce the texture was slimy and watery at the same time but I thought it was just maybe the texture of the brand as it seemed to have smelt and tasted fine. Today I bought the same thing but with ketchup sauce, the older worker said “normally I charge for sauce” but he gave it for free which I thought was kind… until I came back home and opened the sauce and it was a thick consistency, brown and looked more like a blood clot. I just decided not to make a fuss and to just not eat the ketchup, but ate some chips and they tasted a little bit stale and old? Then I had a bite of the sausage and bit into what seems to be fat? But it was hard? It was disgusting… went back to the shop to tell the older man and he got angry, slammed the food on the table and started swearing at me in front of his other customers, this was unnecessary behaviour because I spoke with respect and was not rude whatsoever, however I got a refund of my money!

Couldn't want more from a local cafe. Great food, great prices, pretty quick service.

Rolls are always fresh, really lovely & the staff are very friendly

🥔 classic and nostalgic. Delicious x

Everything from the sandwich to interaction with the guy who took my order was poor don’t rely leave reviews, so yeah :(

Absolutely horrendous. Asked for a egg mayo sandwich and found a egg SHELL inside. Changed it to a salmon bagel and the salmon was off and stale and little bits that had gone off.

We went earlier for a quick fry up. First, the chef forgot our order, when reminded they brought us the wrong dishes, and then when it came to the bill the accidentally overcharged us. I really hope we just caught them on an of day...

As french customer staying in an hotel near, i can say that this canteen is really good ! I took a regular breakfast that I can recommend but they do a lot of stuff. Keep going ! C'était excellent merci pour le petit déjeuner 😉

Its been some years since I last visited this cafe and its great to see its still there with the same management and really good chefs. The food is cooked to perfection. Looking forward to another visit.

Excellent bacon and egg in fresh, soft brown roll this morning. Really hit the spot. Cash-only is a policy inclusive of older people and more vulnerable people who are less likely to use card payments. I fully support businesses continuing to accept cash. Update: remains excellent January 2024.

Classic English caf with hearty fare at very low prices. Very clean and friendly.

I am writing a bad review because I believe the employees charged me more for my dish than what was listed. As a tourist from Canada, I was paying with cash and an employee was telling me which coins to give him. At the time, I was very confused and he took at least an extra pound from me, which I only realized later. I am not sure if it was a mistake on his part or if he was taking advantage of my naivety, but the employee took at least £4.80 from me for a dish that was only £3.80. I feel like I was scammed.

The cafe is really clean, the food is fairly priced and the staff are friendly. Everything you want in a cafe

Excellent little cafe. Had the number 4 English breakfast with a cup of tea. Everything was prepared perfectly. The fella working there was very polite and welcoming. Good menu with fair prices

My personal favourite cafe in E2. I walk in and ask for my usual. Great quality food, clean and exceptional customer service. Highly recommended

lovely quiet spot for proper English breakfast, but they also have more on the menu than you’d expect. great value, lovely staff and atmosphere

honestly, just a really great solid caff. They make their own salt beef, take card payments, have a good value menu and have a nice and bright spot to hang out with a baked potato. Don’t sleep on the desserts - apple or cherry pie with custard is an OG school dinners classic. FORGET NORMAN’S CAFE - THIS IS THE REAL DEAL

I had a huge plate of Spanish omelette, chips and salad for £6! They serve all day breakfast and have extensive menus choices. It’s local, quick, great value for this location!

Cute little place with a lot to offer. I had liver & onions in baguette and it was DELICIOUS. Freshly made and well flavored!

A simple place with a pretty extensive menu. I'm mad about their baguette sandwiches!

Very delicious jacket potato, lots of cheese and crispy bacon Mmmmmmm

Best Jacket potato here!! Always come here.

Cash only but best prices in the area. A real gem!

Feels like home! Family business!!!

That's how much cheese you get on your jacked potato for a descent price!!! Lovely lunch spot

Good all day fry up for a good price

Nice and cheap for jacket potato

I love this friendly cafe. Great service all the time. Great food and great prices.

Possibly the best breakfast ever.

Great little cafe for omelette and chips. Good service.

We come here once, twice a week. Good service and food! Totaly recommend this cafe!

Really nice cafe. Food was tasty and quick, the owner was very friendly and it was an absolute bargain. Busy on a lunch time too!

Very good breakfast. Very friendly!

Great food, friendly atmosphere , excellent staff always a warm welcome.