Campaign to save Gaby's Deli hots up as TV host Laverne lends support

TV and radio host Lauren Laverne has thrown her weight behind a campaign to save a much-loved West End café.

The BBC presenter has added her name to a list of high-profile figures from the world of theatre, music and television opposing the planned closure of Gaby's Deli, which has been serving falafels and salt beef sandwiches to theatre-goers and performers for nearly five decades.

The Standard revealed in September that the Charing Cross Road deli's days were numbered after Westminster council allowed plans by the landlord, the Marquess of Salisbury, to make way for a chain restaurant.

Since then some of Britain's best-known performers and writers, including Vanessa Redgrave, Simon Callow, Miriam Margolyes, musician Alex James from Blur and director Mike Leigh, have appealed for the deli to be saved.

A series of cabaret nights at the small venue is being held to rally support for owner Gaby Elyahou, who told the Standard he was fighting to prevent London becoming swamped by homogenous chain shops and restaurants.

"The small, independent shops and restaurants are the lifeblood of this area. But increasingly we are seeing the same chains cropping up. It's boring," said the 71-year-old.

A campaign triggered by the Standard article has seen more than 3,000 people express their support on a Facebook page. Nearly 5,000 people have signed a petition calling on the marquess to halt the closure, while campaigners are urging people to send him a specially made Christmas card with the message: "Falafel's sake! Save Gaby's Deli".

Last week West End and Broadway star Henry Goodman performed at the deli. On Friday, diners will be treated to a show by magician Mat Ricardo, while Callow will give a reading next month.