The much-loved “snackeria” in Charing Cross Road was originally set to close next month after the council granted developers Montagu Evans and freeholder Gascoyne Holdings Ltd permission to convert the famous deli into a premises suitable for a chain café.

But its proprietor, Gaby Elyahou, said Gascoyne Holdings Ltd, the company of landowner the Marquess of Salisbury, had now informed him he could stay open until August.

Gaby’s, which was established in 1965, serves up delicious and affordable salad, falafel, salt beef and Mediterranean dishes.

Soho resident and longtime campaigner David Bieda, who has supported the campaign to save Gaby’s, stopped off in the deli on Wednesday to congratulate Mr Elyahou on the apparent stay of execution.

He was joined by Labour London Assembly Member and Marylebone resident Murad Qureshi, who has written to the Marquess of Salisbury and this week received a lengthy reply confirming that he was aware of the furore around the Gaby’s saga.

The deli is popular with actors including Simon Callow and Henry Goodman, who have performed there in support of the Save Gaby’s campaign.

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