Just a few months ago Tim Lord, chair of The Soho Society, launched an urgent appeal to save Soho’s much-loved traditional Italian deli, I Camisa & Son on Old Compton Street. Despite the naysayers (‘an online petition isn’t going to change anything‘ some expressed doubtfully), the petition received over 5K signatures, spiralling international and national-wide coverage on blogs, social media and national papers including The Guardian.
And just before the turn of the year, an update confirmed I Camisa & Son will remain open for at least another two years – a great victory for the community of Soho!
“We await the press release but we understand that an agreement has been reached so that I Camisa & Son will stay open for the next 2 years at least.
The petition you signed was key in demonstrating to the business, the council and the landlord how much this historic Italian deli is valued by people in Soho, across London and further afield.
Thank you for signing.
If you are in Soho in 2023 as a resident, office worker or visitor, please make sure you drop in on I Camisa & Son and show your support.” Tim Lord shared on the petition update.
I Camisa and Son has operated in Soho since 1929 and is the oldest, traditional Italian Deli in Soho (Lina Stores being a relative newcomer having opened its doors in 1944). It is much loved by residents, chefs and people from all over London. As is the case for many shops across London, business is not yet back to pre-pandemic levels but the freeholder increased the rent back to where it used to be pre-pandemic (£100k/annum) in January this year and this together with rates at £40k/annum means the business will now close.
During the Second World War the Camisa brothers were detained by the British Government, like many other Italians, forcing their original deli at 66 Old Compton Street to close. The brothers returned to Soho in 1948 and re-opened on Berwick Street. Their business partnership separated in 1961 when Isidoro moved the deli back to Old Compton Street and it has remained there ever since. In 2014 the family sold the shop to the Italian importer, Alivini.
📍I Camisa & Son, 61 Old Compton St, London W1D 6HS
Shared from Save I Camisa & Son, Last Original Italian Deli in Soho petition with permission.
I Camisa & Son featured in My Soho Times ‘Soho Is Open’ campaign during lockdown
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