An iconic greasy spoon which has run for more than 80 years has been plunged into a bitter row with its council - over a toilet.The Regency Cafe in Pimlico, founded in 1946, is battling freeholder Westminster Council, which has said the business must install customer loos and a new extractor fan.The previous owners had an older trading licence which did not require toilets, but after it was sold in July to brothers Fevzi and Safer Gungor, the council demanded a customer lavatory.The row escalated after authorities gave the restaurant a one-star food hygiene rating, citing poor cleaning, food storage practices, structural repair, and staff training. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say The Gungor brothers said the cost of implementing the changes would come to about £50,000.The cafe has served as a popular haunt for politicians, owing to its proximity to the House of Commons.It has also featured on the silver screen, appearing in 2004 film Layer Cake, which sees Daniel Craig fight through the cafe with a Full English and a pot of tea.It also featured in the 2010 film Brighton Rock, as well as Elton John biopic Rocketman.The cafe faced closure at the end of 2024, when its previous owners retired after 39 years.But its neighbours rallied to ensure the property would not be sold to developers.The Gungors' decision to preserve the unique atmosphere of the restaurant brought a sense of relief to the community.Fevzi said: I grew up in cafes and have run more than 30 in London. But taking over the Regency was something special.LATEST LONDON NEWS:Council accused of misleading voters after claiming it ‘froze’ tax billsLondon pub bans children from premises as landlord hits out at ‘entitled parents’London Marathon set to break tradition in major change to go ahead next yearThe cafe owner said it was iconic, a landmark and part of the heritage of the area.He added: We’ve extended opening hours and the operation is going smoothly. We’ve kept all the old staff, we have more films booked in to shoot in the café and area.In October 2024, under the cafe's old owners, the Regency was given a rating of three out of five.But Fevzi said the low hygiene rating was unfair and its conclusions are false.We carry out daily hygiene checks, our menu is so small that everything is fresh, nothing is stored for long. We have daily deliveries of fresh produce. It doesn’t make sense, he added.Westminster City Council said: The Regency Cafe has been a much-loved institution in the local community for over 40 years.The council, as the freeholder and landlord, has protected the lease to ensure the premises continues to operate as a local restaurant or cafe for residents to enjoy.At the time of sale, we made it clear that improvements needed to be made by the new owners of the business, including the installation of customer toilets on the premises.Under their lease, the business owners are required to comply with all statutory notices and to ensure the premises can operate lawfully as a cafe. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
March 27, 2026