People of Bermondsey : Meet Austin, owner of Terry’s Cafe London.
Introduce yourself and business.
My name is Austin Yardley. I am the current owner of Terry’s Cafe and the son of Terry the founder. My dad Terry was originally from the borough and my mum Helen was from Alscot road, Bermondsey. The original purpose of buying the cafe was it’s close proximity to Smithfield Market just across Blackfriars bridge, where the old man was working at the time.
Terry’s traditionally was a working man's cafe originally called the hamlet cafe. Dad bought it off of Louis who happened to play for AC or Inter Milan, but moved to Dulwich Hamlet.
How long has Terry's Cafe been open in SE1?
The cafe was open from 1982. There or thereabouts, who knows! It has been suggested it was 1986 but the old man used to say don't let the truth get in the way of a good story. I'll go with the old mans 1982. If anyone can shine some light, please step forward.
Tell us about the history of Terry’s Cafe.
Terry’s in its traditional form was a working man's cafe. However, the old man and his passion for cooking bridged a new relationship with the emerging office community such as the Financial Times on Southwark bridge, the local crown courts and of course the dirty underbelly of London, such as the Ministry of Sound when people would roll out at 6:30am.
What have been the greatest moments for Terry’s Cafe?
Our greatest moments have made long lasting memories. My dad and auntie Kath, the arguments, the laughs and the old local's and characters that saturated the area that has rapidly changed along with residents.
What's your SE1 secret?
The Victoria on Pages Walk; The owner Pat is an absolute diamond, the cooking and the ethos remind me of the days before social media, stepping back in time to pub culture of a bygone era. The hospitality is second to none too.
What does a typical Saturday morning look like to you if you are not at the cafe?
A rare opportunity to be honest. However, my perfect weekend morning would be hangover free, walking the dogs along the Thames or over Hampstead. Then rest. Maybe binge some Sopranos or watch a film noir classic. Then more rest!
Where do you let your hair down in Bermondsey?
Back in the day it would have been a rave somewhere under the arches. Nowadays you’ll find me in Pizzaro’s on Bermondsey street, I also like the nostalgia of José, which was previously the old Post Office and Rosie's Cafe and the affiliation I have with Bermondsey street as a whole..… it’s such a different place now.
What would you do if you were the mayor for the day?
If I was major for the day, I'd close the roads of london for a giant street party up for the whole weekend with union jacks galore (along with flags of all nationalities) celebrating culture with live music events across the city, get the public jumping and jiving.
