New owners of London’s Regency Café tease plans for global expansion

The new owners of the Regency Café in London’s Westminster have hinted at plans to take the cafeteria to cities like Dubai and Amsterdam.

The corner café, which dates back to 1946, gained a cult following for its traditional British breakfasts and Art Deco interiors.

It also starred in numerous film and television productions including Layer Cake, Pride and Rocketman.

Marco Schiavetta and Claudia Perotti operated the café as a family business from 1986, but have now sold the leasehold to café operators Fevzi and Zafer Gungor through specialist property adviser Christie & Co.

According to Companies House, Fevzi was formerly a director at Supreme Kebab in Sutton and Supreme Grill in Mitcham, among several other food-related businesses.

Fevzi said: “I’m honoured to take over such a historic and much-loved institution. As someone born in Turkey and raised in White City, west London, my journey started humbly – delivering newspapers at 13 before school – and I’ve never looked back. Over the years, I’ve launched over 50 successful eateries across the city, but taking the reins at Regency Café is truly special.

“My aim isn’t to change what people already love about Regency Café, but to enhance it – extending opening hours, refreshing equipment, strengthening our social media presence and introducing merchandise that captures the spirit of this iconic spot. We’re also exploring partnerships with major British brands for co-branded sauces, beans and more.”

Fevzi added: “We may look at expanding the kitchen to cater for Halal dining, reflecting the diverse communities and tourists we serve, including many from the Arabian Peninsula. In time, I’d love to see the Regency name in key global cities – Amsterdam, Berlin, Istanbul, Dubai – but our immediate focus is on Regency Street. We want to ensure it continues to be a place where locals and visitors alike can enjoy one of London’s best breakfasts.”

David Wilson, associate director at Christie & Co, who managed the sale process, commented: “This sale, and the interest it generated, demonstrates just how strong the demand is for well-established hospitality businesses in London. With high demand from buyers, we would encourage leasehold owners of café and restaurant businesses in the capital to get in touch for specialist marketing advice.”

The Standard reported the Regency Café was put up for sale late last year for £170,000. At the time, landlord Westminster Council assured that the site would continue to operate as a local restaurant or café.  

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.