Greasy Spoon - United Kingdom

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, greasy spoons are also referred to as cafés or "working men's cafés", which in the South is often colloquially referred to as a "caff" /ˈkæff/ Not all cafés are greasy spoons, however. A greasy spoon is rarely if ever part of a chain or group and are gradually being forced out of business by the large coffee house chains.

The typical working men's cafe serves mainly fried or grilled food, such as fried eggs, bacon, black pudding, bubble and squeak, burgers, sausages, mushrooms and chips. These are often accompanied by baked beans, cooked tomatoes, and fried bread. These are served in a variety of combinations and usually it is possible to order any combination are generally referred to as "breakfast" even if it is available all day. Traditionally American items like Hash browns may also be available.

Hot and cold sandwiches are also often available, with the bacon butty and sausage sandwich being particularly popular. The main drink in a British working men's cafe is usually tea, especially "builder's tea" (a nickname for a mug of strong black tea, such as English breakfast tea, usually served with milk and sugar and is typically robust and flavourful with a brisk character and a dark red colour). Often the only coffee available will be instant, though this has slowly changed with the increased proliferation of coffee drinking. British working men's cafes will sometimes also offer bread and butter pudding, apple crumble and rhubarb crumble. Working men's cafes are not noted for healthy food options though baked potatoes with a limited range of fillings and filled baguettes may be available.

The greasy spoon was also the mainstay of British lorry drivers who travelled the major truck roads such as the A1 and the A6 prior to the opening of the motorways, see also Transport café. These cafes were not only stops where the driver could eat, but also made convenient meeting places where the trade unions could talk to their members. In 2001, a story broke in the UK press about how the European Union were making an attempt to ban the greasy spoon cafes. This turned out to be a hoax based on an EU report about eating habits of long distance drivers and their health.

In the United Kingdom, the traditional greasy spoon or working men's cafe has been in decline due to the rise of fast-food chains; they nevertheless remain numerous all over the UK, especially in certain parts of London, Birmingham, Manchester, Derby, and many seaside towns. The demand for their style of cuisine has resulted in the establishment of greasy spoons all over the world and particularly in European coastal resorts located within an hour's coach ride from charter airlines' destinations. At such locations, full breakfasts may be consumed on an all-day basis (to accommodate late-rising clients).