Frequented by thespians since 1965 a small cafe in London’s West End faces closure to make way for another redevelopment by a chain restaurant.
From opening night parties to impromptu snacks grabbed hurriedly on the way to rehearsal, Gaby’s Deli has served celebrated actors, dancers and musicians from London’s theatre land for almost five decades now with reliable congeniality.
Hit shows have come and gone, stars have risen and fallen, but the falafels at Gaby’s Deli have remained a consistent crowd pleaser. Until this Christmas, however, when the future suddenly looks bleak for this West End institution, as a planning application was passed for its redevelopment as another outlet of a chain restaurant.
The Charing Cross Road deli appeared to be facing the prospect of drawing its final curtain for good, until its theatrical neighbours stepped in to attempt a rescue, transforming it overnight into the hottest fringe venue in town.
This weekend many of the country’s best-known performers and writers, including Simon Callow, Vanessa Redgrave, Miriam Margolyes, musician Alex James from Blur and director Mike Leigh, are queuing up for the chance to support the deli by appearing in a series of impromptu cabaret nights.
Well done we say, the character of hospitality venues such as Gaby’s Deli should be retained, watch this space for further developments…
