LONDON — A retiree who has been eating a full English breakfast at the same café for 30 years may be Britain’s most devoted patron. Since discovering Poppins Café in Worcester in the early 1990s, Don Gilbert, 82, has frequented the eatery on a regular basis.
The historian and author started coming by the café on his way to the library every Wednesday. He has become a staple in the area and hasn’t missed a meal at his favourite restaurant in more than three decades. The same ‘Favourite Five’ fried breakfast, washed down with a cup of tea, is what Don orders every morning at 10:30 am when he sits down for breakfast – bacon, sausage, a fried egg, and toast with beans or tomatoes are included in the £4.49 breakfast.
“I really love it here and it’s part of my weekly routine,” said Don, a resident of Kidderminster, Worcestershire. “I always arrive here at 10:30 am and place the same order, always for £4.49 There are people to talk to here, and the location is gorgeous. It’s just very welcoming.” I have the Favourite Five breakfast with soft eggs and tinned plum tomatoes. “I request a cup of tea that is just right—not too strong, not too weak—with two sugars and some tap water. I always leave by 11:00 am, after which I go to the library.”
Irfan Yildiz, who took over the cafe four years ago, is in charge of running Poppins. Don always orders our affordable breakfast, which is a favourite among retirees, the man remarked. Don doesn’t even have to say what he wants to eat or drink when he comes in.
Every employee knows what he wants to eat, what he wants to drink, and how he wants his meal prepared before he even takes a seat. “He says he comes here because the prices are fair, the staff is welcoming, and he is aware that we serve high-quality food.” He appreciates the warmth and feels at home.
All of our clients and employees adore seeing him because to us, he is a member of our family. “He shows up every week without fail. He unquestionably comes once a week, preferably on a Wednesday or a Friday.” We cherish him.
