This Notting Hill Café Is Dedicated to Princess Diana – Café Diana
Café Diana opened in 1989 opposite the North entrance to Kensington Palace. The café does not just pay tribute to the late Princess of Wales, but Lady Di often visited it herself with her two sons.
@urbanadventurerldn [BLOG POST IN BIO] Café Diana opened in 1989 opposite the North entrance to Kensington Palace The café does not just pay tribute to the late Princess of Wales, but Lady Di often visited it herself with her two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry The first photo that the cafe owner put on the wall was a gift from Lady Diana herself in 1989 and she even signed it! The photo is still hanging on the wall today and it says: “Diana. 1989” written with golden letters Café Diana regularly sent birthday wishes to Diana to which her Private Secretary sent thank you letters Today, Café Diana’s walls are full of the late Princess’s photos and memorabilia to preserve to the People Princess’s legacy ????Café Diana | 5 Wellington Terrace, London W2 4LW #princessdiana #ladydiana #ladydi #cafediana #royalfamily #kensingtonpalace #princewilliam #princeharry #peoplesprincess #CapCut
Café Diana
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Princess Diana touched the hearts of millions around the globe. She was known for her kindness, charity work, and for being a devoted mother of her two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.
Before the café opened in 1989, owner Abdul Basit was not sure about its name. “I was thinking calling it Abdul’s Café, but it doesn’t sound good.” – he said in an interview he gave to a newspaper later. The article is framed and displayed on the wall for everyone to read.
The name of the café came out of the whim, when Mr Basit accidentally saw Princess Diana coming out of Kensington Palace with her sons. That was the moment when the idea came. The Iraqi-born entrepreneur named his café ‘Café Diana’.
It didn’t take long for Lady Di to show up with her bodyguards after the opening of the café. She complimented how nice and clean the place was and ordered a cappuccino.
“My hand was shaking.” – said Abdul Basit in the interview remembering that day. “But she had the sort of personality that makes you think you have known her for a long time.” – he explained.
Hand-Signed Photo from the People’s Princess
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Next time Lady Di visited the café, Mr Basit asked her if he could put a picture of her on the wall. The Princess of Wales did not only agree, but on her next visit, she brought a black-and-white studio portrait of herself as a gift, signed!
“Diana. 1989” – says the golden signage.
The photo is still hanging on the wall today – black ribboned since 31st August 1997.
She Brought Prince William and Prince Harry for Breakfast
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Diana sometimes brought her children with her for a breakfast. The boys used to have English breakfast while Lady Diana had cappuccino, croissant, or some cakes.
Paparazzi were often camping for hours outside the café while she was there, and she used to joke about it. “Don’t serve them any more coffee, throw them out!” She used to call the paparazzi, ‘The Lenses’.
Although, she didn’t really like being photographed, she agreed to take a photo with Mr Basit and the staff. This photo is also hanging on the wall of the eatery today.
Letters from Lady Di’s Private Secretary
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The Princess of Wales and Abdul Basit formed a very good relationship. They often had a casual chat together.
The café used to send birthday wishes to the Palace along with flowers to which Lady Di’s Private Secretary sent a thank you letter.
These letters are also displayed on the walls of the café. Make sure you don’t miss them whilst you’re there.
The café also sent a congratulatory note to Prince William on his marriage to Kate and they received a reply.
Café Diana Today
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Today, Café Diana’s walls are full of the late Princess’s photos and memorabilia to preserve to the People Princess’s legacy.
Tourists and locals alike love to pop for a coffee, breakfast, or dinner on their way to Portobello Road or home from work. They love admiring the heart-warming photos of the Princess, some of the customers even cry. It’s nearly 30 years now, but they still miss her.
The Menu at Café Diana
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Café Diana serves a combination of Middle Eastern and British cuisines, including English Breakfast, omelettes, sandwiches, kebab, and burgers.
There is a special section on the menu, called ‘Diana’s Dishes’ that includes Fish & Chips, grilled chicken steak, burgers, and Jacket Potato.
Café Diana hasn’t had visitors from the Royal Family since the late 1990s, except one occasion when Prince Harry came to the door peeked through the window to look at the pictures on the walls and then left.
Café Diana hopes they will have a chance to welcome Prince William one day, maybe with his own children, for a nice cup of coffee or tea…
Ready for your next adventure? Did you know that there is another café in London dedicated to Princess Diana? Market Café is located in North London and – although Lady Di never visited this one – it’s a lovely place to pop in for a nice coffee or an English Breakfast.
