In the early 1970s, Chris Miles was living in London’s East End, first on Grove Road and then by Victoria Park on Lauriston Road above a supermarket. Much as Peter Marshall did, Chris walked the area taking pictures. Here we look at the shops and cafes around Bethnal Green, Bow and Mile End. His work has ben compiled into a book by Cafe Royal. But the locations are mostly unidentified. Can you help?
We begin with a look at Charlie and Micks Cafe. The menu in the window advertised sandwiches with the full range of 1970s fillings: cheese, corned beef, ham, boiled egg, beef, bacon, fried eggs and sausage – but not the ‘liver sosage’ you can get in our best-selling print from London in 1972. A sit-down breakfast of two eggs and bacon was yours for 40p. According to the Bank of England’s inflation calculator, that same meal would today cost you £3.12.
You can see the full menu below – apologies for the graininess.
The Menu at Charlie and Micks Cafe
JOE’S Gents Hairdressing Saloon:
“We Cater for Long and Short Hair Styles”
M. Berg Watch and Clock Repairs at 385 Roman Road,
Dinkie Cafe at 195
Dresses etc at Marion’s
Valentes Cafe at 55 Hackney Road – now a kebab shop
M Evans at 256 Globe Road, Stepney – still a cafe
You can see more London cafes in the 198os and here.
