Molen’s Cafe

Really nice traditional British brunch. Great prices with a typical meal costing a bit over £5. I had the Shepherd’s pie and it was great, only drawback being that two of the three veg were canned (which isn’t my thing). My friend got the veg #2 breakfast special and said that while nothing blew her mind, everything was exactly what she could want out of a British breakfast. Overall, I would definitely eat here again (especially if attempting hangover recovery). Happy eating! :D

I have two breakfast regulars near my house for a lazy /​hungover weekend day: the café, and the posh café. Molen’s is definitely the first (the posh café, should you be interested, is the Front Room). I’m not sure Molen’s is quite a greasy spoon in the traditional sense, because they also do some dinner options, deli sandwiches, Sunday lunches etc, but the breakfasts definitely have that greasy spoon feel: un-​reconstructed good British breakfast.
The service is friendly and swift — I always wonder if it’s a sign of good service or a sign of my penchant for bacon that means that they recognize my friends and I when we go in.
There’s a dazzling array of set combinations. A quick hint: if you want to build your own, it’s usually cheaper to find the closest set and then sub in and out individual items — my particular preference is usually the Set 6 but to sub in black pudding for the sausage (the sausage being the only thing on the menu that’s a bit of a disappointment) and then an extra side of Bubble. Yes, I realise this means that I am eating chips, bubble and toast in one meal, but the bubble & squeak here is perfect, and usually the highlight of the plate.
So, don’t expect anything that is going forever to change your perception of breakfast, do expect a massive plate of tasty food that will fill you up and banish all hangover woes. Now, if only I could sub in a Bloody Mary for that tea…

Also my favourite Greasy Spoon! Really nice people working there, lots of choice, good coffee (the milk is steamed even for your regular cup of coffee!) and very clean. Also, it is incredibly inexpensive and always delicious. Believe it or not, there are some healthy options, too! Everything comes in giant portions, meaning almost two people could eat for under a fiver! Practically directly across from the Stroud Green Finsbury Park tube, bus, and train station exit, making it very easy to find and get to. Good for an early dinner, too, as they close at 7pm (except earlier on Sundays). My American father made it a personal mission to find the best local café around this area, and thankfully introduced me to here almost two years ago!

Molen’s is my favourite ‘greasy spoon’ café in Finsbury Park. It serves the usual English breakfasts, and has a good selection of cheap sandwiches; the salt beef sand which is particularly good. What makes the place though is the service. The staff are friendly and obliging; occasionally giving out free lollipops. It is also a good place to get a sense of life and community in Finsbury Park, which, otherwise, can sometimes feel a little bleak.
I have good memories of mornings-​after, and last minute pre-​uni snacks in Molen’s and I strongly reccomend it to students or anyone who is new to the area.