Minkie’s Deli on Kensal Rise has always been my regular breakfast spot for the past 10 years whenever I’m in London, as I’d stay 500 metres down Chamberlayne Road from it. The owner-chef, Doron Atzmon, named the cafe after his wife, Minkie Spiro. But I hardly see the couple around anymore these days - my friend who’s a regular tells me that Minkie Spiro found fame in recent years as the director for Downton Abbey (https://www.thejc.com/culture/features/the-jewish-duchess-of-downton-abbey-1.60733) , and she has subsequently gotten an offer she can’t refuse to work in Hollywood. Apparently, Doron Atzmon has also moved there to be with her.
No, they didn’t close the cafe, nor rename it “Minkie Goes to Hollywood” or anything like that, and the offerings remained pretty much the same even in their absence. And the place still serves some of the best coffee in North London.
Our breakfast there last Sunday morning:
#1 Smashed avocado on toasted sourdough & a poached egg, addition of Chapel & Swan smoked salmon
#2 Shakshuka Doron Atzmon is Israeli of Moroccan-Jewish decent, and his rendition of the shakshuka is simply the best I’d tasted anywhere in London.
I do hope Atzmon won’t sell this place (if he hasn’t already!) - some places we simply grew accustomed to, and the thought that it might one day change or disappear is simply unbearable. Till then, I’m coming back here whenever I can.
Address
Minkie’s Deli
87 Chamberlayne Road, London NW10 5RQ, UK
Tel: +4420 8969 2182
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 7am-6pm, Sun 8am-3.45pm
