Change language
Actions
Displays
Remove from selection
Add to selection
Abstract

More than 100 guests, including TV presenter Melvyn Bragg and actress Maureen Lipman, paid tribute to celebrated Angel woman Elena Salvoni at her special birthday party on Wednesday [29 April 2015].

At almost a century not out – she is 95 – and despite a broken hip, following a fall close to her home in Noel Road, six weeks ago, she appeared as jovial and as sprightly as ever.

The legendary maitre d’ welcomed dozens of family members and friends to the event at Quo Vadis restaurant, in Dean Street, where Lord Bragg revealed he had followed her to five different restaurants over the years.

“She has always been wonderful and inspiring company and, of course, knows the food business inside out,” he said.

Her career has spanned eight decades, starting at the age of 14 at Café Bleu in Soho, before following restaurant manager Joseph Paccino to Bianchi’s, where she worked for 30 years.

Elena tried to retire at the age of 65, but her talents were so much in demand she continued to work for more than another two decades, first at L’Escargot and finally at L’Etoile.

She was forced to retire in 2010 because she could no longer be insured.

Her son, charity campaigner Louie Salvoni, said: “Wherever she worked she made friends. And she treats everyone with the same respect and charm whether they are kings or ordinary folk. People never forget her.”

Loyal and devoted customers have included theatre impresario Cameron Mackintosh, actor Sean Connery, singer Rod Stewart and TV presenter Michael Palin. Celebrity Stephen Fry, an old friend, once described Elena as “my second mother and the kindest woman in London”.

Born in Clerkenwell to Italian parents, Elena left school to work in the rag trade and was a neighbour of Angel-based playwright Joe Orton “before he got famous”.

She has lived in Noel Road since 1933, when the house belonged to her parents, and still shops at Chapel Market and nearby Sainsbury’s.

Elena has two children, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, many of whom attended Wednesday’s party.