Andy Apostolou

By ALANA BRESLIN

A MUCH-loved sandwich shop is preparing to close its doors, marking the end of an era for a family-run business that has served its local community for years.

Andy’s in Grafton Road, Kentish Town, opened in 1999 but now after 27 years the business’s owner Andy Apostolou is selling up and hoping to retire.

The shop has been more than just a business – it’s a family affair, with his wife and children all playing a part in its journey.

Mr Apostolou said the change marks the end of a chapter, as he looks forward to retirement and his move to Cyprus. “My wife worked here for five years, when we first opened, my son also, and now it’s me and my daughter.

“We were always so, so busy, lorry and truck drivers would always come in morning after morning. Maybe someone can come along and turn this place into something different.”

The cafe in Grafton Road

The business itself has survived numerous setbacks, most recently the Covid pandemic.

“Since Covid, people stopped going to work, they started working from home, so people started eating from home,” Mr Apostolou said. “Fewer and fewer people were coming out to eat, but even then we were still busy.”