Shepherdess Cafe City Road Closes in London After Coronavirus Lockdown | Eater London

"A long-running greasy spoon near Old Street that opened in 1983 and operated for 37 years, known for steaming hot chips and all-day breakfasts and for serving the local economy and community. It closed after decades in part because rising rents driven by rapid “regeneration,” ongoing financial precarity amplified by the COVID-19 downturn, and a reported lack of sympathy from agents and landlords made continued operation untenable. The operators publicly expressed sadness, thanked loyal staff who helped make it a friendly neighborhood cafe, and noted staff would either retire or seek new ventures. Ownership of the building is linked to a British Virgin Islands shell company tied to the Troxy venue on Commercial Road, which is owned and operated by Ashburn Estates; local press has sought further comment on the closure and the cafe’s history." - James Hansen