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| Cafés’ tribute to
‘an inspiration’ |
Praveen Manek |
REGULARS who watch the world go by from two popular cafés
in Highgate are mourning the tragic death of a familiar figure.
Indian-born Praveen Manek, who had spina bifida, would dine daily
at Café Mozart and Kalendar cafés in Swain’s
Lane’s. Over 10 years he became well known for his cheery smile
and lively conversation.
But little was known about him until a mystery phone call to waiters
revealed he had been killed in a car accident last month .
Now staff at the shops and cafés in Swain’s Lane, who
watched him arrive each day in a silver Renault Clio to sip a cup
of Earl Grey tea, have paid a touching tribute to him.
A notice posted on a tree says: “Praveen was an exceptional
individual with a passion for life, a huge generosity of spirit
and an inexhaustible energy despite his disability.
“He was an inspirational character with a big heart and will
be sorely missed by many.”
While his Swain’s Lane friends come to terms with his sudden
death, details are slowly emerging about his life.
Margot Sagev, an architect who lives in nearby Brookfield Mansions,
told the New Journal that Mr Manek lived in Golders Green.
She said: “I met him about 10 years ago in Hampstead’s
Spaniard’s Inn. My car had broken down and he gave me a lift.
He was approaching his 60th birthday. I was astounded because of
how young he looked. I think he was an accountant by profession.”
Daisy Coburn, from Holly Lodge estate, said: “He had a friendly
disposition. We said hello and smiled. He was a real part of life
here.”
According to the notice, Mr Manek believed in reincarnation.
It says: “Whether you are up there looking down or you changed
your mind and decided to come back in a new guise, we hope you are
content and at peace.” |
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