SEnine


The lights will be going out at Eltham’s Eletriq Café for the last time on Sunday September 11.


Owners


Ed Kidney and Alonso Castro


have called time on the restaurant after 14 years of catering to SE9’s Mediterranean tastes.


In November, it will be re-born as an outlet for Prezzo, the Italian


‘casual


dining’ chain which has opened on 180 sites from Aberdeen to Falmouth over the past 10 years.


“We came to a point where we needed to re-furbish and start to compete with the off ers now available from the leading chains”, said Ed. “But we received an off er ourselves and decided to accept.”


The low-key fi nale will contrast with the upbeat opening in 1997 when the expensively refurbished building, formerly the Electricity Board showrooms, fi rst opened its doors.


Ed and Alonso, having worked in the Pizza Express chain for many years, decided to launch their own independent restaurant and identifi ed Eltham as a suitable site.


“I’ve got no regrets”, said Ed. “We’ve had our ups and downs but on the whole it’s been enjoyable. We’re thankful to our many loyal customers among the people of Eltham.”


4


The opening night was attended by Pizza Express founder Peter Boizot and top Italian restaurant designer Enzo Apicella, whose designs and pictures have been a backdrop to countless SE9 family and social outings ever since.


“It cost us a fortune to set up”, said Ed. “I’m not saying how much but it meant there was no chance of us setting up more branches.”


The trademark picture by Apicella bears the motto ‘Fiat Lux’ or ‘Let There Be Light’; a pun on the shop’s past but also a beacon of hope for the town.


The Eletriq has always kept an eye on trends and continually adapted its appearance and menu, while continuing to serve the dishes which its regulars demanded.


A major change came after a review of customer opinions four years ago when the lay-out and colour scheme were re- vamped and extra options added to the menu with meat and fi sh, together with a regular ‘English’ dish.


The restaurant has lived through some major changes to the High Street over the past 14 years, with the closure of department stores Allders and the Co- op, the loss of some independent shops and, more recently, the opening of the Eltham Centre, Lidl and the rise of pound and charity shops.


“The fact that a national chain such as Prezzo want to come is a sign of confi dence for the future”, said Ed, “and it might attract others to look again at Eltham.”


Both Ed and Alonso will take stock for a few months after spending


“We hoped we’d bring a new dimension to the High Street and I think we achieved that”, said New Jersey-born Ed, who is looking forward to saving the 7,000 mile a year commute from his home in Wimbledon for his thrice weekly 13 hour shifts.


“The exciting part of the enterprise was the fi ve months of preparation and launch. We quickly established ourselves and, I suppose, after a while, it takes on something of a routine”, he said.


some time winding down the Eltham business, before deciding on their next move.


Ed is hoping to take a behind-the-scenes role helping with the Olympics. A keen sportsman, he has taken part in triathlons in London and New York; the vigorous sport involves swimming, cycling and running and Ed is now a referee for the British Triathlon Association.


SEnine ... listening to your views


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