Boris Johnson backs Gaby's Deli

Boris Johnson is the latest name to throw his weight behind the campaign to save much-loved Gaby's Deli.

The Mayor has joined a list of figures from theatre, music and television in opposing the planned closure of the West End café, which has been serving falafels and salt beef sandwiches to theatregoers and performers for nearly 50 years.

At a speech in Trafalgar Square to 1,000 people this week, Mr Johnson called on all Londoners to "head down to Gaby's as they are in need of your custom in these dark times".

Owner Gaby Elyahou is fighting plans by his landlord, the Marquess of Salisbury, to bring in a chain restaurant instead. More than 5,000 people have signed a petition to halt the closure, which is due to go ahead in May.