Gaby's Deli facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gaby's Deli |
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Gaby Elyahou taking a break (left)
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| Restaurant information | |
| Established | 1965 |
| Closed | 31 October 2018 |
| Current owner(s) | Gaby Elyahou |
| Food type | Jewish |
| Street address | 30 Charing Cross Road |
| City | London |
| Coordinates | 51°30′39″N 0°07′40″W / 51.5107032°N 0.1277289°W |
Gaby's Deli was a famous family-run Jewish restaurant in London. It was located on Charing Cross Road, a busy street in the city. The deli was named after its founder, Gaby Elyahou, who ran it with his family for many years.
Gaby's Deli was known for its fresh salads and delicious hot meals. Some of its most popular dishes included goulash, a hearty stew, and tasty falafel. The restaurant was especially famous for its high-quality salt beef sandwiches.
In 2011, the deli was almost forced to close. However, many famous customers, including actors and politicians, started a campaign to save it. Their efforts convinced the landlord to let the deli stay open. Gaby's Deli finally closed its doors in October 2018, after Gaby Elyahou decided to retire.
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History of Gaby's Deli
Gaby's Deli first opened in 1965. It was started by Gaby Elyahou, who had come to London as a refugee from Iraq. He took over a place that already sold salt beef. Gaby wanted to create a welcoming spot where people could enjoy good food.
Saving the Deli in 2011
In 2011, the company that owned the building decided not to renew Gaby's lease. This meant the deli might have to close. But Gaby's Deli had many loyal fans, including some very famous people.
Actors like Miriam Margolyes and Vanessa Redgrave spoke out to support the deli. Even politicians like Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn joined the campaign. Their efforts helped convince the landlord to change their mind. Gaby's Deli was saved and could stay open for several more years.
Why Gaby's Deli Closed
Gaby Elyahou retired in 2018 after running the deli for over 50 years. His nephew, Menachem Kojman, had been helping him. Menachem decided that the deli could no longer compete with all the new fast-food chains. So, Gaby's Deli closed its doors for good in October 2018.
Famous Customers at Gaby's
Gaby's Deli was very popular with people from the theater world. This was because it was located in London's Theatreland district. Actors and performers loved that they could get a quick and tasty meal before or after a show.
Many famous faces visited the deli over the years. Inside the restaurant, there were photographs of some of these stars. Regular customers included the legendary actor Charlie Chaplin. Other well-known visitors were Diana Rigg and Matt Damon. The deli was also a favorite spot for politicians, including Ken Livingstone and Jeremy Corbyn.
Delicious Food at Gaby's
When Gaby Elyahou took over the restaurant, it already served salt beef. Gaby believed that salt beef made the best sandwiches. He added many new things to the menu, like espresso coffee and a wide variety of fresh salads.
Gaby also introduced Mediterranean dishes to the deli. These included popular foods like hummus and tahini. He even claimed that Gaby's Deli was the first place in London to serve falafels! Other tasty dishes on the menu included hearty goulash, delicious meatballs, and warm soups.
The Final Day
Gaby's Deli served its last meals on October 31, 2018, closing at 8:30 PM. Many regular customers came for one last visit. One of them was Barbara Roche, a Labour Member of Parliament. She had been eating at Gaby's with her family since she was 16 years old. It was a sad day for many who loved the deli.
