Born on Christmas Day 1927, Arthur Woodham is famed for his eponymous café in Kingsland Road, Dalston. Living by routine with his family at premises they’ve owned and operated since 1935, this true Londoner is often to be found at La Brasserie in Chelsea on a Saturday. His drink of choice? Arthur – whose own cuisine is favoured by everyone from workmen and professionals to Idris Elba and Guy Ritchie – keeps it simple and opts for a Smirnoff and tonic.
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Two stories to keep beside you
Arthur's delight
A review of Arthur’s Cafe, Kingsland Road, E8 Arthur Woodham was born on Christmas Day 1927. He and his family have run a traditional British café in Kingsland Road, Dalston since 1935. Arthur is a truly fascinating gent who likes and maintains a routine. I met him at La Brasserie in South Kensington […]
Fredrik Eklund
This tattooed Swede features on Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing and even got married to his artist partner Derek Kaplan on the show.
Readers have their say
10 comments
RESTAURANT : There was another Arthur’s for a while down on the far side of world’s end in Chelsea circa ’72 Actually it was called J Arthur Rank (I know) but its success pales by comparison – Really this is just to say hello to Woodham and, Keep at it sir.
He is always dapper and very witty too.
Arthur Woodham runs his Café ‘ hands on ‘
He obviously has the friendship and admiration of both his customers and employees
This unique ingredient is tricky to achieve and impossible franchise
Makes his money in Dalston, drinks in Chelsea, typical.
Echoing what I referenced in my review on Arthur’s Cafe (link available on this page), Arthur does the sensible thing and adopts the view: “I don’t drink in my manor”.
Thank goodness Pret and Starbucks haven’t got their hands on this place yet. I’ve not been myself as “it’s not my manor” but I support the few local cafes left in Chelsea when I can.
He makes ‘his money’ in Dalston, and he should spend it in Dalston supporting other businesses in the area. Here in Chelsea we don’t need money brought in from the much poorer are of Dalston. Not too proud to keep taking the money from people in Dalston, just too snobbish to be seen eating and drinking there himself.
Actually, you are wrong. Arthur gets much of the produce he uses from the locality (e.g. bread from a local Jewish baker). Instead of criticising him, you should attack big businesses like Google – who do nothing for local economies. It is entirely his right – as much as it is yours – to travel around and enjoy the whole of London.
David..
As Lord Rendlesham remarked to an ancient cab driver; I didn’t think there were any chaps like you left
Google Kingsland Road, and you might learn a ‘fing or two
The poor of Kingsland Road – I think not!
Arthur, I never had the honour of meeting you but, my dear friend Matthew Steeples has often spoken so highly of you and now in this moment of darkness it seems selfish to say yet I do feel cheated that I will never get to experience the humour, the charm and wit that so many have fondly described in association with your company. I am sure my best friend Andrew Singh and my brother Lee will welcome you gladly and show you the ropes! RIP the best man I never met.