Comments on: So Long, Leo Giordani

By: Jokè Adejumo

Jokè Adejumo — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 14:18:23 +0000

I was just reminiscing about the sandwiches Leo used to prepare for me and my colleague when working at Central Saint Martins in Granary Square. Such a gentleman and we raved to everyone to support his business. When it closed we were extremely saddened but what an achievement and clearly remembered fondly by strangers of London.

RIP Leo, even at this time, two years on we extend our condolences to the family.

Jokè and Vesna (previously of Central Saint Martins)

By: Levi Alexander

Levi Alexander — Tue, 10 May 2022 07:36:20 +0000

That is really sad to hear. I used to get my sandwiches from there all the time when I was working in the area. It was great watching him cut my sandwich of choice with a large smile on his face. He always happily allowed me to take pictures and made me feel appreciated. When he closed down it was upsetting because you knew that whole ‘experience’ was gone forever and never able to be replicated again – a piece of British history! At the same time, he should have taken some much-needed rest for himself and his family because no one deserves to work 24/7, give everything of themselves, AND make it into something successful.

By: Martha Jacqueline

Martha Jacqueline — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 11:37:44 +0000

That is sad to hear. I was a regular when I worked on Pentonville Road. I loved watching him create my generous sandwiches deliberately and with great reverence. He was Always happy to chat a generously let me take photos on one occasion. Watching him use the vintage slicing machine was a particularly favourite part of the ritual for me! When he closed, it was really upsetting as you knew the whole ‘package’ was unique and could never be reproduced – a piece of social history – but good grief he deserved a bit of rest. I’m glad he had a chunk of time for himself and his family

By: Christopher Martin

Christopher Martin — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 13:30:49 +0000

When i worked on the redevelopment of King’s Cross in the early 2000s, I went daily for about 4 years. My mother had taught me about food and you could instantly recognise the quality of the bread and hams etc. Being served and talking to Leo was a highlight of the day. A lovely man. Chris

By: oliver george

oliver george — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 12:21:04 +0000

I used to go to his shop 40yrs ago, when I lived around Kings Cross. Although I could hardly afford it I’d stock up on weekly supply of the best “extras”. I will remember his service with his wife busy nearby.
I walked to the shop a couple of years ago hoping it was still in business and was most dismayed, but not surprised, to find it closed and looking a bit derelict. This just confirmed all ideas about how Kings Cross as a community has disappeared.

By: Daniel

Daniel — Sat, 14 Nov 2020 14:35:51 +0000

I always wondered what this shop was when I walked past. I think it closed before I moved to the area, and, while they kept the signage for a period, all trace has now sadly gone. Thank you for preserving the story – and condolences to the family.

By: Emma

Emma — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 20:22:43 +0000

End of an era. I loved his store for groceries but also for how it looked, like the Beano Cafe and Keystone Crescent. Old Kings Cross.

By: Paul Convery

Paul Convery — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 18:35:51 +0000

I’m so sorry to hear of Leo’s passing. He was a lovely man and a wonderful shop. It seemed a timeless place and I could never conceive the idea that it wouldn’t be there for ever. In the early 80s I used to shop at Camisa in Soho then friends told me not to go so far! Kings Cross was a little edgy and Leo’s shop was a quiet haven, rich with aromas and colours of Italy. Lovely foodstuffs all served with character and care.

By: Sarah Rickwood

Sarah Rickwood — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 18:08:16 +0000

His shop was truly a treasure- a quietly resistant survivor of a gentler age, a point of stillness as the world roared on by. RIP.

By: Marcia Howard

Marcia Howard — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 16:31:21 +0000

Sad end of an era. My sincere condolences to his family.