Stars come out to support the famous Italian grocery store threatened with closure in London's Soho

For decades, I Camisa grocery store has been at the heart of London's West End community. Opened in 1929 by Italian brothers Ennio and Isidoro Camisa, the Soho institution sells specialty items including imported meats and cheeses, as well as handmade pastas and sauces, and hot sandwiches on bread freshly baked.

The food has earned it numerous accolades, rave reviews and cameos on TV shows including The Great British Bake Off > and actor Stanley Tucci's BBC travel show. But now, battered by the effects of the pandemic, I Camisa looks set to close for good nearly 100 years after it began operations.

The news of the closure looming led to an outpouring of support, with around 4,000 people signing a petition calling on Labour-led Westminster City Council to engage with Shaftesbury, the real estate investment trust that owns the building, to find a solution. Among those said to offer their support are broadcaster Stephen Fry, actress Miriam Margolyes, food critic Tom Parker Bowles and musician Tim Arnold.

Guests come to I Camisa to chat as much as they do to eat. “People will ask us the difference between panettone and pandoro, but they will also come to discuss,” explains Mattia Perlino, the assistant manager. "Feels like home."

During its life it has passed through several owners, moved across the road from its original premises, has witnessed the reigns of five monarchs and withstood several recessions.

But following a drop in trade during the pandemic, business has not haven't bounced back. Today, attendance is only 60% of what it was before, according to management. Many of the restaurants that Camisa supplied have also closed, while energy and product costs have risen. A decision by the landlord to bring rent back to pre-pandemic levels - £100,000 a year - added to the pressures, preventing him from continuing.

"You us could see the numbers go down and we knew we couldn't afford the costs," said Cristina Onuta, the manager for 23 years. "We're all devastated. People come here and they ask, 'Why?' say: "How long do you have?" "inline" data-spacefinder-type="model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement" class="dcr-10khgmf">

There are approximately three weeks left to find a solution. If a new buyer is not found or if another com promised cannot be found this month, the grocery store will close after Christmas. "We really don't want to close because it's historic and it's a shame because it's a beautiful place. But recently it has become a heavy burden," said Gianni Segatta, one of the directors of 'Alivini, the current owner. "It's painful to think you have to close it."

Shaftesbury said: "Alivini and Shaftesbury continue to work together on options potential for the retail business of I Camisa & Fils. While both appreciate the support expressed for the company, Alivini had made the initial decision to...