A small independent cafe in London's West End, frequented by actors since 1965, is facing closure. Now it has become the subject of an A-list campaign to save it – and a focus for growing discontent over the homogenisation of the high street
From first-night parties to snacks grabbed on the way to rehearsal, one small cafe has served the actors, dancers and musicians of London's theatreland for nearly five decades with reliable congeniality. Hit shows have come and gone, stars risen and fallen, but the falafels at Gaby's Deli have remained a crowd-pleaser. Until this Christmas, however, when the future suddenly looked bleak for the West End institution, as a planning application was passed for its redevelopment as a chain restaurant.
The Charing Cross Road deli appeared to be facing the prospect of "going dark" for good, until its theatrical neighbours stepped in to attempt a rescue, transforming it overnight – panto-style...
From first-night parties to snacks grabbed on the way to rehearsal, one small cafe has served the actors, dancers and musicians of London's theatreland for nearly five decades with reliable congeniality. Hit shows have come and gone, stars risen and fallen, but the falafels at Gaby's Deli have remained a crowd-pleaser. Until this Christmas, however, when the future suddenly looked bleak for the West End institution, as a planning application was passed for its redevelopment as a chain restaurant.
The Charing Cross Road deli appeared to be facing the prospect of "going dark" for good, until its theatrical neighbours stepped in to attempt a rescue, transforming it overnight – panto-style...
- 12/11/2011
- by Vanessa Thorpe
- The Guardian - Film News
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