Memory Lane

Every Friday lunchtime we would book a table for about 10 or 12 colleagues who worked at Olivetti, just along the street – I think it was off Tottenham Court Road, called Charlotte Street. This was around 1972/73.

Each week one person was elected to be drinks monitor as there were so many bottles of wine consumed that the monitor had to stay sober and put the empty bottles down by the side of their chair so that we knew how many to be charged for.

The waiters at the time knew us pretty well and each week they had prepared our favourite dessert – Torta San Genaro – we thought especially for us but I later realised that this was a special on the menu.

When my wife and I come into town we try to book remembering old times. We were probably very noisy but we had a great time.

• Dave

 

Well, my husband Paul and I don’t quite go back 70 years, but we did meet in 1969, so 55 years ago!  We used to meet in the Goodge Street area after work, exploring hostelries and restaurants.  We quickly discovered the Goodge Street Spaghetti House and it became our favourite destination.  Paul asked me to marry him several times, and my reply was always that I wasn’t ready.  In November 1970, I decided I was ready and we went to Spaghetti House for our usual date.  I waited for him to ask me again to marry him, but he didn’t .  So I asked him!  Fortunately he said yes, and we married in 1972.   52 years later we are still going strong, and so are you!

• Hilary

 

“Salve”

I looked up your website today, because I will be staying in London for a few days in October with some friends and think it would be lovely to revisit fond memories.

In 1973 we were all new student nurses at the Middlesex Hospital, now sadly no more.  We had tiny rooms at John Astor House in Foley St and in the beginning lived on just £40/month.

Back then student nurses were not super numerary….. we did everything, from boiling eggs for patients’ breakfasts to meds and dressings.  At 18 and straight out of school, in a city with so many new people and experiences, it was a challenge!

But we found the Spaghetti House nearby, in Goodge Street.  A warm oasis, full of life and very reasonably priced, delicious food, which we could actually afford to treat ourselves to….. and did, regularly.  I had only ever met spaghetti in tins before, so you were a revelation…. and as for profiteroles… well…. heaven!

• 😋Linda

 

Since I was very young in the 1960s I was taken to The Spaghetti House near Goodge Street station for Saturday lunches and celebration dinners. My sister always ordered meatballs and spaghetti and I had veal escalope with sauté potatoes. I remember having lemon sorbet or Italian trifle for dessert.  I expect my parents ordered a variety of dishes. We loved the food and the waiter who entertained us by making a rabbit out of one of the white linen napkins.

This continued throughout our childhood and into our adult years.  My own children were taken from babyhood and we still frequent various branches for pre theatre meals. I was disappointed when the menu reduced and out old favourites were no longer available. They are sadly missed. However, we still visit and enjoy the food and buzzy atmosphere.

The Spaghetti House is, and always has been, part of my life.

• Fiona

I have been coming to Spaghetti House since 1963 My father in law had a car dealer ship in Warren Street and we frequented Goodge Street often My favourite dish was and still is spaghetti pomodoro I can taste it as soon as I walk in your restaurants These days I tend to go to Cranbourne Street or St Martin’s lane when I am visiting the theatre or westfield if I am staying in Acton I love using my Tesco vouchers Great Restaurants Great Food friendly staff Always an enjoyable time in Spaghetti house

jo  – September 2015

 

 

My memory is the first time we visited Spaghetti House, Holborn (which is now Sainsburys). It was February 1992 my son was in Great Ormond Street having a cochlear implant operation,we left Chris in the anaesthetic room and wandered out of the hospital not really knowing the area. Although we were worried to death we were suddenly hungry and came upon Spaghetti House. my husband & I came in and had our first taste of your excellent food. We returned many times during our visits to GOSH the waiters & waitresses were charmed with Chris even took him to wash his hands one day when he got in a mess with ice cream. When we come to London now in happier times we still visit your restaurant in Sicilian Avenue and next Sunday we are coming to London to Kensington Palace so may well venture into High Street Kensington restaurant. Happy Birthday & thank you for making a very stressful day some 23 years ago much better with some good food, & wonderful staff. xxx

• Angie

 

I first used the Original Spaghetti House in 1970 when I worked for Humphries Film Labs in Whitfield Street, and continued using it on a regular basis until I left there in 1975. We were paid our wages by cash, weekly on a Friday. So most Fridays a group of us ate there lunch time. One of my favourite meals was deep fried brains!!! Also fish salad. I don’t suppose they are on the menu now. Looking forward to re-union there soon. Hoping to bring back some memories.

• Val

 

In 2010, I received an MBE. The best way to celebrate after leaving the Palace was to enjoy delicious pasta at Spaghetti House with my family. It was a great day!

• Foluke

 

 

Spaghetti house was the first place my boyfriend ever took me on a surprise date, loved everything about it and now it’s a bit of a tradition, nearly 2 years on and it’s our special little place to celebrate

• Sarah

 

I used to regularly visit Goodge Street when I worked at the School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and also at Burberry’s during 1972 to 1974. I revisited with Carole Miller (nee Bab) last year and was amazed that the sphaghetti bolognaise still tastes just as I remember! Wonderful!! I now live in Australia, but try to revisit when I come over. Here’s to the next 60 years!!  Susie – September

• Sue

 

My friend and I used to come to your restaurant in Goodge Street in the early 1970’s when we worked in London. It was the first place I had ever eaten spaghetti that wasn’t tinned and on toast! A woman on the next table leaned over and said, ‘I would cut it up with a knife and fork if I were you dear’! We are now no longer in London: my friend is in Perth Australia and I am in Perth Scotland. We still go to the Leicester Square Spaghetti House when in London and love that the bolognaise sauce is exactly the same as 40 years ago

• Carole

 

When I first arrived in London from Liverpool 28 years ago, the first restaurant I went to was spaghetti house in Leicester Square. It was fantastic, I still remember I had spaghetti carbonara and it was lovely

• Linda

 

I remember vividly being taken with 4 of my friends at age 10 up to London to see my first West End Show – Starlight Express, followed by a big plate of spaghetti with you guys! It felt so indulgent then and still does now twenty years later!

• Jen

 

I was with my dad and I remember we discussed my first ever University assignment. We sat, ate a sumptuous meal and chatted for long hours. I still adore Spaghetti house and will do forever.

• Aditya

 

I remember the spaghetti house in victoria i was there almost every day in 1985

• Giuseppe

 

American/Italian friends always took their two sons to Spaghetti House on their regular visits to London. Recently the husband passed away and one of the sons, his wife and daughter brought the mother to visit us in London. She wanted to go to Spaghetti House as it held so many happy memories and so we did, and had a lovely evening.

• Lee

The warm feeling and relaxed atmosphere when you walk in to any of the spaghetti house restaurant

• Dipak

 

BELLISSIMO! ABSOLUTELY DELICIOSO AND TOGETHER WITH MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS WE GO AT LEAST TWICE A MONTH. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! CHEERS TO ANOTHER 60 YEARS AND MORE!!

• Jay

 

The spaghetti house in Goodge Street has many fond memories for my wife and I . we used to go to the restaurant as a treat when we first met some 40 years ago , and regarded our visits as something to look forward to. money was tight then but we always managed to get three courses in . Mellon and Parma ham followed by Lasagne and profiteroles . We are restrung this Wednesday for a walk down memory lane and to add to our memories.

• Zac

 

Charming memories of goinging to The spagetti House reataurant 40 Yrs ago when my wife & I first started courting( going out together ).Used to love the red & Wite gingham table clothd candles in Chianti bottles, so romantis for us. Many happy returns on your 60 Yrs celebrations

• Chris & Joanne

 

Many happy years when I worked until late in the evenings stopping to enjoy spaghetti on my way home

• Michael

 

I always bring my family here when they visit from Hungary. This is our favourite Italian place to go.

• Gary

 

I was taken to the spaghettihouse from a very early age by my parents I have continued the tradition and I now take both my children who rate it as their favourite resturant

• Gary

 

Alas no pictures but good memories of the branch in Scillian ave in the early mid 70s always good atmosphere and food most of all remember the straw covered chianti bottles with a lighted candle, elves and safety would not allow that now ! Alas Indian and Asian food came along and we all got distracted from a good pasta. Always try to use you when in town it would be nice to see a few restrurants in the suburbs .

• Marilyn and Peter

 

I used to meet a friend for lunch in your restaurant 34 years ago when I worked for Gestetner in Euston Rd, it was a lovely place to meet, such happy memories, I was just looking to see if you were still there as my husband and I are coming into London on Monday and I suggested it for lunch. so pleased you are still there.

• Sue

 

When we were courting (some 60 years ago) we used to see a film in Leicester Square and then walk to Sicilian Avenue to enjoy a plate of pasta before walking home to Clerkenwell. Memories are made of this!!!!!

• Jeanne & Red

 

Well we have been visiting your Spagetti House Restaurants since we first met as teenagers. We also celebrated our sixtieth birthdays this year & also 40 years of marriage so it has been quite an eventful time for us! Our 1st Spagetti House was in Scillian Avenue, my husband was then working in Holborn as a trainee Architect. We had just come back from a holiday in Cattolica Italy & were so excited to be eating in an authentic Italian restaurant in London as there weren’t many about in the 1970’s – gosh we must be old! It’s great to know that you are still serving quality, fresh food & you will be pleased to know that we are still regular visitors to your restaurants after all these years! Happy 60th Birthday!

• Michelle

 

I remember eating cannelloni and drinking red wine at your Goodge Street Restaurant with my Dad – he worked at the Post Office in Howland Street and we often ate there before going to a Promenade Concert. Happy memories.

• Genevieve

 

1977 a business trip from Worthing to Victoria Street with a colleague. He, being more sophisticated, knew where your restaurant was and we queued at lunchtime. I knew nothing about Italian food and just followed him. We had lasagne. I have never eaten anything so memorable in my life. After that, I volunteered at any chance of a London trip just to visit your restaurants. No other Italian restaurants come close for food or atmosphere. Although I’ve retired, I still visit now and again and the quality remains. the same. Happy Birthday.

• Malc

 

We came to the Sicilian Arcade as Students, now we bring our Grandchildren.

• Sue

 

We have visited Spaghetti House hundreds of times over many years, we are always amazed even when we visit pre theatre times and the restaurants are full we have never had to wait or been served a faulty meal. A special mention should go to Jose Da Silva who always made us feel welcome but managed the level of hospitality just right. This makes visit to Spaghetti House a must each time we are in town.

• Clifford

 

I’m 68, my husband is 73, we’ve been married for 45 years and we still remember meals at the Spaghetti House before and after we were married, especially the venue with the guitar player. We can’t remember which venue this was. Could it have been off Oxford Street somewhere or  was it Leicester  Square? We still often eat in Kensington High street and Marylebone. I ate at the former recently with my granddaughter when I took her to the Albert Hall

• Silwen & Roger

 

First started coming to your restaurants in 1962. Never disappointed and although living on Australia since 1982, on my frequent returns to London my family make a bee-line for you as soon as we have drawn breath! We often say " If only they had a Spaghetti House in Sydney for your combination of quality and value!" Congratulations and long may you continue. See you in December.

•  Julian

 

When I met my now husband in 1971 he took me to Charlotte Street for a birthday treat (27 July). We had bolognese and profiteroles and this was so special that it became our favourite place to celebrate any special occasion. We left London in 1975 and whenever we visit we will always find a Spaghetti House. I will be visiting London this weekend and look forward to a lunch at Sicilian Place.

• Ruth – July 2015

 

I first went to the Spaghetti House in Goodge Street with my mother and sister, probably in the early 60s – for lunch after the shops closed at 1pm on a Saturday in those days! When I was 16 I had lunch with my sister at the Spag House in the Sicilian Arcade when I was a student at Pitmans College. After that I went to Goodge Street several times again in my late teens. Later, in the 70s I went with my husband and my two little daughters – their first meal in a restaurant. After that we have had many family meals in Goodge Street, the restaurant which used to be near Debenhams in Oxford Street and in St Martins Lane and Victoria. We have lots of lovely memories and I still meet friends regularly in either Goodge Street, Duke Street or St Martins Lane. I laugh now thinking about trying to eat my first spaghetti as a 17 year old with a boyfriend in Goodge Street. I did learn how to do it! Lots of lovely memories. Thank you for your lovely food.

•  Jeanne

 

Many happy memories. With the previous manager of the St. Martins Lane SH, Gaetano who, with his staff, sang Happy Birthday to our daughter. A meal with our Australian friend, who loved it. My wife brought her Italian teacher and 4 other students for a lunch after a visit to the National Gallery. Your 55th Spaghetti House celebration at Shepherds Bush Restaurant, meeting the family who made us very welcome, and encouraged my wife to speak Italian. Many other meals at the S. Martins Lane SH where we are always made to feel so welcome and special by the current manager who always recognises us and greets like friends. Many thanks

• Howard

 

I have been visiting Spaghetti House restaurants for, probably, 45 or more years. Before I was married, both my musband and I worked in the Long Acre area, and we used to meet up after work and have a drink in the Porcupine pub and then very often we would go on to eat in the Spaghetti House in Cranbourn St. I loved it as I had lived in Italy for a year, before coming back to London and it reminded me of my time living in Italy, We moved out of London into Kent when we had a young family and for some time I didn’t get a chance to go to Spaghetti House, but now that we often come into London, to the theatre or opera, we nearly always take the opportunity of eating at the Spaghetti House still at Cranbourn St. I was sorry that the Spaghetti House in Knightsbridge has closed as we often had cause to go concerts at St Pauls Church in Knightsbridge, and always ate before at Knightsbridge. I still really enjoy the Spaghetti House restaurants – they feel very friendly and welcoming, even though we are usually going pre-theatre. Great value, lovely staff and good food. Thank you and keep up the good work.

• Margaret

 

I can remember visiting the Goodge Street branch when it first opened in 1955, and have been a regular visitor to various branches ever since. Your Holborn branch – The Tratt (long since closed) was my local branch when I worked for 11 years in Covent Garden – so much so that I had my own table on at least a weekly basis. One endearing visit was to introduce my daughter to the delights of Goodge Street for her 18th birthday. In those days just about everyone smoked and at the end of the meal we all lit up: my daughter was impressed with your personalised Spaghetti House ashtrays and asked the waitress if she could buy one. The waitress wiped ours clean and said to tuck it under her coat! All under the eye of (I assume) Mother on the cash desk!!

• Brian

 

My flatmate and I were frequent visitors to the Knightsbridge branch in the 70s. We usually had fish salad (it was never as delicious in your other branches!) and chocolate profiteroles. I had to walk along that stretch of road when it was closed off when the siege was on, so had to get permission from the police to walk quickly along the opposite side of the road. Scary but exciting and memorable!

• Gill

 

From being an young child through to adulthood and now nearly of a pensionable age I have such happy memories of the restaurants’ including Villa Carlota (where we attended a wonderful wedding) Vecchia Milano (where I celebrated my 21st birthday with guests who still remain friends to this day) and of course enjoying the music and dancing in the club below the restaurant. In such a changing world it is fantastic to have a family-owned restaurant group who have always maintained such excellent standards and who are still committed to offering such a personal service. We hope that we are around to enjoy many, many more years of Spaghetti House!

•    Lisa

 

In 1986, I was struggling with a demanding fulltime job; a new baby AND studying part-time for a professional qualification. One week in April, I forced myself through three days of exams. My husband met me after the last exam. I was drained and worn out — as a treat, he took me for a special meal to the Goodge St Spaghetti House. It was my first time there and I loved it. Thank you Spagetti House. You revived me then; and you always revive me now I am a regular!

•    Sue

 

I have been coming to spaghetti house since 1964 when i had my first job in London at first we always came to Goodge Street but as more branches opened we went to them too My favourite dish remains spaghetti pomodoro and just the thought of coming to spaghetti house brings the fabulous taste to mind…… i have never had a bad meal in all these years I think my favourite restaurant for ambiance is Sicilian Ave a great venue for a pre theatre meal HAPPY BIRTHDAY

•  Jo

 

My dad was a milk man and he took milk for many years to the Goodge street restaurant. So growing up I had many a meals there, I loved it not just for the food but the candles in bottles on the tables with the wax that had dripped down, the bottles hanging from the ceiling and one year when I was about 6 years old, I won the Easter Egg raffle, the egg was bigger then me! For my daughters graduation last year we booked a table there for the family, and the memoris came flooding back, the little stairs to go to the top level and the little lift. I love it there. x

• Gina

 

We were regulars at SH Knightsbridge from 1969 thru 1973 when we moved to Germany, returning to London in 1980. On our frequent visits to London between ’73 and ’80, immediately after dropping our bags at our flat in West Halkin St, we absoluely had to attend Mass at St Paul’s Knightsbridge followed by dinner at SH. From ’80 until you closed, we enjoyed countless dinners with lashings of complimentary grappa, always lovely food and faultless service. Over the years SH became smaller, with the downstairs hardly used, but the spirit of your wonderful restaurant never changed. Really, the best Italian in London, the Dolce Vita never to be repeated, never to be forgotten. Thank you for some wonderful years and good luck for the future.

•    Michael

 

In the late sixties my future wife was working for a land agent in Lincoln’s Inn Fields and I was a solicitor’s articled clerk at an office in Cheapside. At least once a week I would catch a bus to Holborn to meet her for lunch at the Spaghetti House in Sicilian Avenue, where I almost invariably chose lasagne followed by profiteroles and a cappuccino. We married in 1971 and, even though the current Spaghetti House in Sicilian Avenue is not in the same premises as the one we used to visit, we often like to eat there as a way to rekindle fond memories. Fortunately, my diet these days is more varied!

• Nigel

 

As I small child I remember eating the delicious dessert Torta San Gennaro, I wish it was still on your menu!! As a family we have been visiting the Spaghetti House for over 40 years and we have some very happy memories of the meals we have had together as a family.

• Elizabeth

 

Hello again, so another major anniversary has been reached. 60 years is a long time. My wife and I can remember that far back when as yet unmarried Teenagers we were regular Diners at Goodge street. Why was it that the lift was usually not working? The top floor was a long way up but the food was affordable and excellent value. Now, as more affluent Seniors, we make it up to the restaurant at White City. In those days there was a wonderful Waitress (I think her name was Anna, my wife says Mary) but everyone would remember her as a fantastic member of staff. She knew her regulars and somehow always found a table for them with a big welcome. No doubt her enthusiasm etc helped to make Spaghetti House a success. It dose not seem like 10 years since we were at the 50th anniversary dinner at White City.Congratulations and here’s to the next big anniversary. With all best wishes

• Owen

 

A visit to the Spaghetti House was always special when I was growing up and in 1985 I celebrated my 18th birthday with my family and best friend in the branch that used to be behind the Oxford Street branch of Debenhams – even though it is no longer a Spaghetti House I still think of that meal there all those years ago!

• Amanda

 

We first came in 1962 – I was 15 and had never heard of pasta!! I had a cheese sandwich and a coke!! We have been coming for the last 53 years – it is OUR restaurant. We remember Maria, our waitress from back then, who always remembered us. It is a very special place for us with many memories and lots of celebrations held there. (Goodge Street restaurant).

• Tina

 

When I was in my early twenties back in the 80s I lived in Bloomsbury and was a frequent customer at your restaurant. I moved back to my hometown (Birmingham) and in the 90s I married my husband. We later moved to Brighton and as I worked in London we came to the restaurant on my birthday (24th June) a few times. On 27th June this year my husband is 60. The day before will be our 22nd wedding anniversary and two days before that my birthday. What better place than to celebrate at a restaurant that means so much to us! See you soon! Susan Doherty

• Susan

 

Always had a great welcome for pre-theatre dinner at Spaghetti House ,St Martin’s Lane .My first choice for quick ,tasty meals served with a smile .It’s great that you share a 60 birthday with myself and lots of friends this year.

• Sara

 

In the early sixties my Dad worked in Davis Street and used to eat lunch in the Spaghetti House at Duke Street. He then used to take us during the early evening. Then every special occasion we went there with my family,friends and husband. On my 40th birthday I went for my normal meal after we had been to see the flowers that had been left for Princess Diana s funeral. We still go to Duke Street and I still eat the same meal as I eat all those years ago . Happy 60th Birthday

• Heather

 

I worked at liverpool Victoria from 1966 to 1977 and during that time every payday me, my sister & friends would always come to Sicilian avenue on pay days for the best steak & spaghetti napoletana I’ve ever had anywhere. We still talk about how amazing that food was. Also the trifle & profiteroles were amazing. Wonderful memories.

• June

 

As you approach your 60th anniversary, my wife and I are approaching the 40th anniversary of our first visit to Spaghetti House in Sicilian Avenue. It was the evening of our graduation from London University, 12th May 1976 – and our first date. We still remember the menu choices we made! In the intervening years we have shared the restaurant with our daughters and with our parents, but it still has special meaning for us as a couple. Now married almost 38 years we are still regular guests at the same Spaghetti House (now relocated on the other side of the Avenue) and still enjoy the excellent food, wine, service and ambience. THANK YOU, SPAGHETTI HOUSE!

• Richard

 

There days I eat alone often and found it difficult to face the first time but I did choosing spaghetti house near Leicester sq As we had eaten there many times Every one was helpful and spent sometime checking on me and having a chat even though they were busy I now go there when in town and always have the same courteous reception even though they probably don’t remember me but I remember them and am grateful

• Cecily

 

My first meal was mashed potatoes with bolognaise in 1958. I still eat with you whenever I’m in London. Everyone family birthday was celebrated with you. Mr rose used to call my sister bambino, we always had a warm welcome.

• Lynn

 

About 30 years ago I worked in Upper St Martin’s Lane and used to enjoy lunch at the Spaghetti House on the nearby corner on a regular basis. I’m retired now but my wife and I enjoy dinner at Spaghetti House when we visit London to go to the theatre.

• Neil

 

I was born and grew up in central London,and whilst a schoolboy delivering morning papers in the area from a newsagent in Goodge Street, watched the first ‘Spaghetti House’being built just on the opposite corner. Little did I realise that I would become a regular customer some 60 years later,albeit usually at the St. Martins’ Lane restaurant!

• Brian

 

In 2003 my soon to be husband and I had our first date (aged 15 and 16) at Spaghetti House in Leicester Square. In two weeks time, over 12 years since our first date we will get married!

• Sabrina

 

The first time I ever ate a prawn cocktail. I was very young, and had always hated mayonnaise. But, in 1974, a friend persuaded me to have one in Zia Teresa. A revelation. And Spaghetti House prawn cocktails are still the best I’ve had anywhere.

• Johnny

 

 

50 years ago I first went to a Spaghetti House in Bloomsbury and was hooked by the Minestrone Soup, the Alio, Olio e Peperoncino and the Torta San Gennaro. I wish you would restore the Torta to your menu, and another favourite the soup Pasta e Fagioli. They were your classics.

• George

 

The first restaurant I went to when I moved to London in 1980 was Spaghetti House, Goodge Street. On 21st October 2004 I adopted my daughter aged 8 and for each adoption day on 21st October, for the next 10 years we celebrated by having a meal at Goodge street restaurant. We moved from London in 2014 and had our last celebration meal there. We now live in Wales, but whenever we visit London we always manage to stop by our favourite restaurant, where we have had so many happy memories.

• Marion

 

We have very fond memories of The Spaghetti House we used to visit Goodge Street often in the 70’s especially when they opened Vecchia Milano behind Debenhams Oxford Street London we used to eat there once a week great memories.

• Kevin

 

Last July I was visiting London with my son and fiancee. It was hot and we got there too early for opening. The owner invited us in even though we would have to wait for the staff to have there lunch. The manager came over and took care of us herself until the staff was done. I was very impressed by this and the way the staff was treated. We ate there twice while in London. Food, staff, and atmosphere were wonderful. When I return to England to get my fiancee hopefully I will have the chance to visit again. Too bad you are not in America

• Susan – June 2015

 

1965 and my first experience of Italian food. A girlfriend and I went to Sicilian Avenue and had scallopine alla Marsala con risotto, eating out in the open air of the avenue. In 1968 I introduced my fiancee, now my wife, to Sicilian Avenue and we have been going back to various Spaghetti Houses ever since. We love Southern Italy and Sicily and the Spaghetti House brings back many happy memories of the country and its lovely people, and of course its food.

• Geoff – June 2015

 

 

I used to come to the Goodge Street Spaghetti House back in the 1970’s and 80’s when I was at college. Favourites were the amazing prawn cocktail and lasagne. I still have an ashtray from those visits! Haven’t been back for over 20 years but plan to revisit this summer.

• Lorna – June 2015

 

As far back as 1969 I came several times to Scicilian Avenue with my first boyfriend. We always had Lasagne followed by lemon water ice. I used to like the ribbon around the placemats! Now I come even more often with my husband (not the same chap!) and we prefer to eat vegetarian these days. Thanks for so many memories and the consistently good food!

• Isobel

 

My hubby and I met working in Euston Tower, we had many wonderful dates around Tottenham Court Road and almost always ended up eating at The Spaghetti House Goodge Street. The atmosphere always fun, the food always delicious and the staff welcoming & friendly. We attended your 50th anniversary party there & left dancing out into the street. Great times have been had & I hope many more to come

• Sheila

 

In 1972, I joined the National Committee of the British Universities North America Club (BUNAC), which had its offices at 46 Charlotte Street. We had to attend Committee Meetings on Saturdays, and the natural place to adjourn for lunch was the Spag House in Goodge Street. This was my introduction to sophisticated London cuisine!! As a country boy, I didn’t realise before then that Italian food came in any other flavour than Spaghetti Bolognese!! Over the years, I then worked my way through your menu – and when I brought my fiancee to London for the day, it was no contest, we dined at the Spag House!! I’m pleased to say that the venue has hardly changed at all in the 40+ years I’ve known it. The staff are still as welcoming and attentive as ever. My wife and I now regularly holiday in Tuscany, and I’m quite convinced that my Spag House education way back then was more than instrumental in drawing us to Italy, and Italian food, once we could afford to travel. Thank you, Spag House. You’ve been an important part of my life!!

• David

 

Hello Spaghetti House, My husband Howard and I have been Spaghetti House diners since our first visit in 1972 when ‘courting’, we have worked ’round the corner’ from the Goodge St restaurant for 25 years and dine in there virtually weekly. On our first visit I remember the waitress lovingly whisking up Zabaglione for our desert – Delicious – I really thought I was very sophisticated! !

• Ellenor

 

I must have been one of your first customers .Once a month I had to come to Holborn for my work which took 2 to 3 days we always had lunch in Scicilian Avenue At this time there was only the one side for your restaurant As the years went by as often as possible my husband and 2 children would enjoy an early SATURDAY supper with you. My son was even taught by one of the waiters how to fold the napkins This was when he was only 4 years old. I NOW LIVE IN Devon but when ever I am in London I still have my lunch with you. Over the years I must have introduced all my family to your restaurant We all love it. VERY BEST WISHES TO YOU AND ALL YOUR Branches.

• Diana

 

I moved to London 30 years ago last May – I was 23 and I was moving from the north! My first evening was spent in Spaghetti House Southampton Row and i’ve been visiting Spaghetti House ever since – favourite is Goodge Street, we even known Anya now going in that much – a great lady who makes the place even better, great food, great wine, great staff!

• Lesley – June 2015

 

The spaghetti house holds years of wonderful memories for me. From cosy evening meals with my husband when he was just my boyfriend, to dining with our children, (always their first choice on birthdays) and still a favourite of ours now they are grown. Have a very happy 60th any many many more x

• Nancy – June 2015

 

When I became old enough to go to West End theatre shows (usually musicals) we would travel together to London as a family and have dinner before curtains up. Dinner would invariably be at a Spaghetti House. Plenty to satisfy a fussy child/teen and a foodie dad. Years later, I live further away from London than we did back then but when I visit I combine a day trip with a meal at a Spaghetti House to remember the magic of those trips to London in childhood.

• Carolyn

 

To celebrate my twenty first birthday, we had a wonderful family meal on the first floor of the Goodge Street restaurant back in 1986. The great food (I remember I had the polpettine), wine and the excellent service made it such a memorable event. It’s still one of my favourite restaurants to go to.

• Christopher

 

My first visit to the Spaghetti House was 57 years ago at the Pizza House in Goodge Street W1. My starter was always fabulous prawn cocktail usually followed by veal masala with sauted potatoes. As a young man of 23 I was mostly accompanied by friends. After I got married, my wife and I together with our young children, in carry cots, visited the Pizza House for years even during the time of the so called Spaghetti House siege in Knightsbridge, Where the manager Carlo, I think, was one of the hostages. The chef and staff at the Pizza House were outstanding. When the Pizza House Closed, we transferred to the Vechio Milano behind Debenhams where we dined with friends on a Saturday evenings for many years. We always enjoyed the ambience, great food and wonderful staff. After that branch closed, we frequented Spaghetti House Duke Street for a very long time. Once again the food was top notch, in particular your meat balls with spaghetti. My wife and I were invited to two of your anniversary events, one at the Spaghetti House Goodge Street, their 40th anniversary. A very memorable day with fine food, wine and music, and their 50th event held in the Coventry Street branch where my wife and I met many of the old staff, some retired, and other regular diners. The guests were presented with Spaghetti House mugs that we still cherish today. Unfortunately, we do not go out as much as we used to, due to our advancing years, but when in town we always call in at the Spaghetti House. Many happy returns Spaghetti House. Long may you continue.

• Don

 

I AM ALSO 60 THIS YEAR!!!!! I first came to the spaghetti house when I moved to London to go to college when I was 18. For us students it was the chance to go into central London for tasty food which was also affordable, we often went to the branch goodge st. And I spent many happy times there with my friends. I have lost touch with my friends after all these years but only this January I returned to London for the first time since leaving college, it was a birthday treat for my 60th birthday and we had lunch in the spaghetti house . I was delighted to find it was just as enjoyable as I remember all those years ago, the decor , the menu and service were every bit as good as they ever were! Thankyou spaghetti house , keep it going and I will be back for my 70th if not sooner, I now live in Spain so what about some branches over here?

• Christine

 

I came to London (to work in an advertising agency) in 1958, and I am not sure whether you had started up then, but my first memories of Spaghetti House was the Goodge Street restaurant. And Duke Street. Much later the one at the top of Kingsway. From those days my favourite dessert was Torte san Gennaro (I think that is the proper name!), a delightful ‘trifle’ to us English! These days we are regulars at St Martin’s Lane, on our way to operas at ENO.

• Judy

 

I first went to the Spaghetti House in Goodge Street when I was a little girl nearly sixty years ago. My late Father had become friendly with the owners and would go to the openings of the new branches. I remember going to the opening of Holborn. We always had spaghetti bolognaise and torte san genarro. Whenever I’m in London my family and friends always go to Duke Street. You still make the best pasta Here’s to the next sixty years!

• Barbara – June 2015

 

I have fond memories of visiting Spaghetti House Southampton Row in the 1970’s whenever my family and I visited London. One such occasion was after we had queued for hours at the British Museum to see the Tutankhamun exhibition in 1972. Nowadays I only get to London once or twice a year, but always head to a Spaghetti House for a great meal and experience

• Helen

 

I have been visiting the Goodge Street branch now for more than 50 years! I have been married three times – and all of the wives enjoyed their trips to your restaurant, together with our respective children! I still attend, and now live nearby in Fitzroy street.

• John

 

My first one was the minestrone soup I tasted in Duke street SH when I went with my father bout 10 years ago. He loved it so much that I took a pot from my house to bring him back the soup to Belgium the next time I came. The friendly waiter at that time even gave me cheese and bread for him to eat with!

• Nath

 

In 2009 two weeks before my 40th birthday, my husband decided we would go to London. This was our first trip to England (from California). On the night of my birthday, we ate at the Cranbourn Street Spaghetti House. We had a lovely time, the food was delicious (although I don’t recall what I had). I’ve gone back to England 3 times since and each time, we make sure to visit SH!

• Jenn

 

Spaghetti House in Wells St behind Oxford Street with its domed fresco ceiling and waiters flying around the room. We’d always go there after seeing the Christmas lights and windows at Selfriges from the mid 1970s onwards. We sometimes went to the Duke Street or Sicillian Avenue branches and my mum would always have veal piccantina. It was such a shame that the Wells Street branch closed as it was such an exciting place when I was a child.

• Sarah

 

1974 – Duke Street. Mum took me to Selfridges to see Father Christmas and the amazing window displays and then for spaghetti bolognese and cassata (ice cream cake) in the Spaghetti House. Then tradition still runs every year – although I don’t go to see Santa any more! But always Duke Street and always spaghetti bolognese – and now my husband takes me instead of my mum.

• Leigh

 

My parents always used to take us to the Spaghetti House when we went up to London @ CHRISTMAS to see the lights & Santa @ Selfridges. I must have been about 7/8yrs old (now 31). We still love it & started the tradition with my 2 children now! X

• Lisa – June 2015

 

30 yrs ago, when we first met, my husband & I went to Spaghetti House nr Goodge Street for a date….it’s our place when we are ever in London. cant remember what we ate then, probably antipasto, melon/parma ham and pasta/pizza! Congratulations on your 60th x

• Jackie – June 2015