It was founded in 1965 by an Iraqi refugee, Gaby Elyahou, who took over an existing
salt beef bar. Gaby chose to continue serving salt beef, later saying he thought it made the best sandwich. He introduced
espresso coffee and many varieties of salad. The landlord was
Lord Salisbury whose property company, Gascoyne Holdings. In 2011, Gascoyne Holdings communicated they would not extend the lease. Following a campaign from celebrities from theatre and politics including
Boris Johnson,
Jeremy Corbyn,
Miriam Margolyes and
Vanessa Redgrave, the decision was reversed. Gaby retired in 2018 and was closed by his nephew, after determining that the restaurant could not compete against fast food chains. Its late night was 31 October, and final patrons included local Labour MP
Barbara Roche, who had visited since her childhood. ==Reception==