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LONDON THEMES

Romano's

This was the site of the amazing Romano's restaurant.

Location: 399-400 Strand

Description: This is now the site of the world's leading stamp corporation's Stanley Gibbons but it was once the site of one of the most acclaimed eateries in London.

Romanos Restaurant was an influential place established by a Russian who built up a reputation by serving champagne and caviar. Romanos became the place to be seen by the in crowd especially those with a bohemian bent.

It was formerly called Cafe Vaudeville before Romano, a small, dark, swarthy man with a large moustache, named it in his own honour.

Famous Vaudeville act The Sisters Leamar, sang a song about Romano's:

Romano's, Italiano
Paradise in the Strand . . .

The Prince of Wales, afterwards King Edward VII, was a frequent customer. He used to like to have his chair on the balcony so he could see the dancers down below.

Many theatre deals are thought to have been done there, including the one that saved the Drury Lane theatre.

Artist Phil May was a regular and often earned his supper by doing a drawing on the spot.

When Romano himself died, he lay in state in a room above the restaurant he had made so famous.

During the bombardment of London, Romano's didn't survive the blitz.

There was no band or dancing until after the First World War - and then it was all downhill.

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Themes: Food
Submitted by: Ade 
Ranking This Month: 1952/2548
Pages Hit This Month: 94
Link to This Page: http://www.shadyoldlady.com/location.php?loc=2090
Credits: http://www.arthurlloyd.co.uk/TheStrand/strand.htm

Romano's This was the site of the amazing Romano's restaurant.

The Shady Old Lady points out that you can drag this map using mouse. Or visit our full massive map.

1» According to legend there a fish tank in the window and one brave chap urinated into it, much to the consternation of Romano himself. (Mark Bellow)

Posted by Mark Bellow on 2010-12-07

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