Alan was first introduced to Retrouvius by a friend several years ago after moving to London from Portland, Oregon. He quickly became a regular customer sourcing stock for London projects including his West London home.

When becoming proprietor of this former greasy spoon he set about its rejuvenation into an industrial chic diner.

Alan looked to his roots and to materials that could bring “exponentially more character and a more interesting story to the newly constructed environment.”
Timber panelling is commonly used throughout interiors in the Pacific North West.
To soften the newly exposed brickwork and bring a soft warmth to the space, Alan used materials such as our pine cheeseboards to create new partitions and wall cladding.

The cafe has 20 covers with a private booth offering privacy from the main space. This large glass panel came from Retrouvius and is known as Luxfer glass, originally patented by The Luxfer Prism Company in Chicago in the late 19th century.

Alan has an eye for eclectic one-offs with each vintage find bringing character and telling a story. Behind the counter there is a reconditioned icebox refrigerator and the red coffee machine sits on a Retrouvius stock item, a baker’s counter with years of patination and neatly adapted to a serving station in the new space.

Every detail, from paisley pattern handkerchief napkins to the bagel dogs and pickles on the menu are a far cry from the Fulham greasy spoon and give this cafe a feeling of a welcoming old London soul.

Lots Road Cafe

533 King’s Rd, Chelsea, London SW10 0TZ www.lotsroadcafe.com

Upcoming Events

24 October – Supper Club
30 October – Halloween Childrens Biscuit Decorating
31 October – Halloween Chocolate Apple Decoration
28 November – Supper Club (Thanksgiving Dinner)
5 December – How to Make Your Own Preserves, Chutneys and Jams 12 December – Homemade Gifts
15 December – Children’s Biscuit Decorating