The Café Royal in Central London’s Regent Street, is closing after 143 years and its contents are all being auctioned by Bonhams on January 20. Its closure is caused not by the recession but by the redevelopment of that part of Regent Street.

For most of its life, it’s been at the heart of London’s high society. Celebrities numbered among it clientele are as diverse as Oscar Wilde, Princess Diana, Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, Noel Coward, Elizabeth Taylor and Mick Jagger.

Charlie Thomas, Head of Bonhams Knightsbridge Furniture, says “…Bonhams is delighted to be selling the contents of the Café Royal. Bidders will have the opportunity to acquire a small piece of this iconic London institution”.

Everything must be sold so auction lots are as varied as magnificent Venetian chandeliers, furniture, brandy casks, cigar humidors, paintings, mirrors, photographs and even a full sized boxing ring.

Because everything must go, it’s all being sold without reserve. The good news is that some things have relatively affordable estimates. “A large collection of black and white photographic reproductions depicting celebrities including John Mills, Noel Coward, Gertrude Laurence, Lord Balfour and Princess Marie Louise,all mounted, glazed and framed” have an estimate of £100 to £150(approx $150 to $220). In contrast, “A pair of early 20th century Venetian clear glass twelve-light chandeliers” have an estimate of £3000 to £5000 ($4500 to $7500).

Even some of the furniture has reasonable estimates. “An 18th century Dutch mahogany tripod table” is estimated between £200 to £300 (approx $300 to $450).

It will be interesting to see, in these straitened times, if lots reach their reserve or the magic of the Café Royal name propels prices upwards in spite of the recession.