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[[File:250-2018.JPG|frame|2018]][[File:250-2017-02.png|frame|2017: The empty unit with new metal shutters.]] | [[File:250-2018.JPG|frame|2018]][[File:250-2017-02.png|frame|2017: The empty unit with new metal shutters.]][[File:250-excelsiorRevampLandscape.png|frame|2016: The former Excelsior frontage about to be removed.]] | ||
== 2018 == | == 2018: Pepe's Piri Piri == | ||
The shop has finally reopened as Pepe's Piri Piri "the home of fresh flame grilled chicken" | The shop has finally reopened as Pepe's Piri Piri "the home of fresh flame grilled chicken" | ||
== 2014 - 2017 | == 2014 - 2017: Empty == | ||
The Excelsior stood empty from 2014 while it was completely refurbished. The iconic shopfront was completely destroyed and replaced with metal shutters. | The Excelsior stood empty from 2014 while it was completely refurbished. The iconic shopfront was completely destroyed and replaced with metal shutters. | ||
== 1954 - 2014 == | == 1954 - 2014: The Excelsior Cafe == | ||
The Excelsior 'greasy spoon' cafe was a Cowley Road institution which closed in 2014, as [http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/11371061.Closing_time_for_cafe_after_53_years_of_froth_and_stir/ reported by the Oxford Mail]. It first appeared in directories as the New Excelsior (J H Harrison) in 1954. Before that it was a café run by Mrs E Chiddington from 1939 and by Mrs M E Harding from 1947. | The Excelsior 'greasy spoon' cafe was a Cowley Road institution which closed in 2014, as [http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/11371061.Closing_time_for_cafe_after_53_years_of_froth_and_stir/ reported by the Oxford Mail]. It first appeared in directories as the New Excelsior (J H Harrison) in 1954. Before that it was a café run by Mrs E Chiddington from 1939 and by Mrs M E Harding from 1947. | ||
A series of black and white photos of the cafe's patrons was made by photographer Kirk Ellingham and some are [http://kirkellingham.com/excelsiordays available online]. The photos were exhibited at the Old Fire Station in August 2018. | |||
A memorable [http://www.classiccafes.co.uk/excelsior_special.htm review by Robin Mackay] described the atmosphere (evidently predating the 2007 smoking ban): | A memorable [http://www.classiccafes.co.uk/excelsior_special.htm review by Robin Mackay] described the atmosphere (evidently predating the 2007 smoking ban): | ||
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[[File:250CowleyRdbyGeograph.JPG|frame|2008: A photo of the Excelsior cafe exterior by Ceridwen from geograph.co.uk]] | [[File:250CowleyRdbyGeograph.JPG|frame|2008: A photo of the Excelsior cafe exterior by Ceridwen from geograph.co.uk]] | ||
"The Excelsior Cafe - sadly no longer there! A cafe where EVERYONE was welcome - people with psychosis, homeless, drug dealers...I never saw anyone upset in there, under the safe, kind, strong compassionate, humorous waiter from Cyprus, Costa, may he rest in peace. The coffee was the best in Oxford, speaking as an (Italian!) expert. The owner was an elderly man with immobility problems, and they ran this service with the softest and firmest of presence. I met many people in there. My mother, a long time hospitalised for "schizophrenia" (which I don't believe in) felt at home there." - Martha Holt | |||
== Before then? == | == Before then? == | ||