Rossi’s Cafe – Gone But Not Forgotten

Until its closure earlier this year Saturday mornings was usually marked out for Hazuan and myself by a Rossi’s breakfast of bacon, fried egg, beans and toast. It was a bit of a ritual for us because it was usually a lot quieter on Saturdays so we could take up to two hours to eat, drink loads of tea and stare out of the window as the trendy world of the new Spitalfields passed us by. It was if we were in a time capsule that protected us from the change we could see through the window. Alas it is now the worlds most expensive fish & chip shop. As a boy a big treat would be for me to buy a bag of chips for 4d which would be wrapped in grease proof paper and old newspapers. I was stunned the other day to see the newspaper had made a return (previously banned for health and safety reasons): two trendy young things strolled out of the shop with their newsprint chips. Of course it wasn’t the real thing but an art directors timid imitation.

Anyway enough of my nostalgia rant. Below are some pics of Rossi’s taken on a Saturday morning a long time ago …..

One Customer at Rossi's. Hanbury Street, London 2009.

Tea, solar pulses, teaspoon and toast at Rossi's. Hanbury Street, London 2009.

Tea and thought for Hazuan at Rossi's. Hanbury Street, London 2009

Tea and more thought for Hazuan at Rossi's. Hanbury Street, London 2009