Astral Cafe — Restaurant in London

Was in the area this morning, having lived nearby when I first came to London I knew very well what a top Cafe it is, as I use to go their nearly every day for about 9months. So I popped in this morning to get a Americano to go. This is about 8.30am, Cafe was pretty quiet. I walked in and I ordered an americano from the more mature lady behind the counter. After been giving a somewhat funny luck I ignored the bad vibe and was very polite all manners. Two customers came shortly after myself after I placed my order. They ordered two coffees. The gent who ordered just after me received his coffee promptly, and the lady who came in after the gent received her coffee before me. Now the bad look is starting to make me think.. She don’t like the way I’m dressed??or maybe she didn’t like my accent? I can get over being served after 2 people it isn’t gonna make or break my day, in fact it really is water off a ducks back. What annoyed me most was when she took my payment for my coffee, their was a takeaway coffee placed out on the counter. I obviously assumed it was mine as would anyone with the timing it’s placed and the fact that I had ordered. I placed my hand on the cup and the more mature lady, in a stern voice (and with the evils that she had given me earlier ) let me know in no uncertain terms this wasn’t my coffee. Il be honest It did make me feel like I was a piece of trash. I understand everyone can have a bad day, especially in hospitality dealing with the public is for sure not easy. I don’t believe theirs any excuse for that sort of behaviour. Like I said earlier it’s a great cafe, one of the few who have a decent deli and the hot meals from what I remember before are banging and big portions with a good...

It's quite a dated and basic restaurant and cafe but the staff are quick and efficient. There is a breakfast menu, specials board, pizza menu, mains, sandwiches, and toasted ciabatta choice. There is a small drinks menu which includes a basic choice of wine. I visited for a quick lunch and had a tuna melt toasted ciabatta, which was piping hot, but it could have done with a little complimentary salad offering on the side. It was well filled and enjoyable. I actually wanted a mozarella, tomato and basil ciabatta which wasn't on the menu but it's the kind of place that if you asked for a slight variation from what's on the menu they'd probably do it for you. I looked at other diners' meals as well, which looked good. They offer dining in or takeaway. The prices are reasonable for somewhere located in the central Victoria/Westminster area. I will return when back...

HIGHLY recommend for a few reasons: a) completely local. We visited twice while in Westminster. Each time there were several cab drivers having a break there, so you know the food has got to be good. b) the food was very enjoyable and the best prices we found over the 11 days we were in London. c) Very convenient to the Laundromat. You can start a load and grab a nice elevenses. d) It is clean....a bit worn, but clean. Honest. A neighborhood eatery. Our first visit we had coffees and pastries. Second visit was for dinner. My wife had the lasagna and I had a different pasta dish. Portion sizes approached "American", so a great value! If you are in Westminster and feeling peckish, give it a try. You won't be...