End of an era in Barnet town centre: Dory’s closes after 71 years in business leaving customers dismayed by the loss of a welcoming cafe
Dory’s, High Barnet’s celebrated family run cafe which provided refreshments and a warm welcome for generations of satisfied customers, has closed for business after the retirement of its proprietors Guiliano Cardosi and Angela Casali.
Surprise at the sudden loss of a town centre institution prompted tributes across social media and a flood of fond memories of the three generations who have produced a constant supply of full English breakfasts, hot meals, snacks and endless rounds of teas and coffees.
People unaware of the closure lined up to read notice of the sad news to customers and friends:
“After 71 wonderful years of serving our community, we would like to share the news that Dory’s, our family run business, will be closing its doors.”
Angela Casali (above, far right in the family photo) told the Barnet Society that she and her brother had decided to retire.
“Sadly, running a cafe does not appeal to the next generation of the family”.
Her grandfather Ottorino Pellicci opened the cafe in 1954 on taking over from the Mancini family.
Dory’s was the name chosen for the cafe – the name by which Ottorino was known – at the corner of Bruce Road and St Albans, a prime location next door to the former site of Barnet Market.
So far, no decision has been taken about the future of the cafe, a business which was rightly proud of its claim to be the oldest family business trading in Barnet town centre.
Guiliano (above, front row, far let) and Angela said they were “incredibly grateful for the support, loyalty, relationships and memories built over the years”.
They were constantly surprised by who came through the front door of the cafe – sometimes someone who remembered their grandfather or perhaps a television star or celebrity.
When the cafe’s doors closed on Thursday 31 July word spread quickly – but not fast enough for a steady flow of customers turning up next day hoping for some refreshments.
They were all shocked by the news and dismayed by what they thought was the end of an era.
David Clark (above) said that although he had only been a customer for the last three years, he thought it was a tragedy Barnet was losing such a vital community hub.
“Whenever you went into Dory’s you ended up talking to other people – that was its secret, it was such a friendly place.
“You really couldn’t expect not to start up a conversation, so I will miss it. For me, Barnet will never be the same again.”
The week after Ottorino and his wife Crimene opened for business in 1954, Barnet’s cattle market closed, but the subsequent success of Barnet’s stalls market ensured a regular clientele.
The couple’s daughter Dorina (who died in 2021) and her husband Tony Cardosi (centre, front row in family photo above) took over the business and were then succeeded by their son and daughter Guiliano and Angela.
Angela (above, fourth from the left) has fond memories of helping her mother and father when stalls filled the former cattle market (now the site of a car park).
“Back in those days trade was so good we used to get queues outside our door.
The closure of Dory’s marks another sad loss among the dwindling number of family and independent businesses in High Barnet town centre.
Dory’s demise follows the closure of the Victoria bakery and Julian’s hardware shop.
Peter Wanders, proprietor Wanders shoe shop, is now thought to be the oldest trading name.
He opened his shop in September 1986 followed a year later by the arrival of Vajsur (Vince) Gadhavi at Smokers’ Paradise, now the Paper Shop.
Peter and Vince both had fond memories of the extended family which ran Dory’s and the welcome they offered.
“It was renowned for being a proper working man’s cafe,” said Vince. “Sometimes there would be customers waiting outside ready for Dory’s to open at 5am.
“My paper shop is open from 6am, but Dory’s was always busy by then, so we are all really going to miss the early morning comings and goings just across the High Street.”
25 thoughts on “End of an era in Barnet town centre: Dory’s closes after 71 years in business leaving customers dismayed by the loss of a welcoming cafe ”
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A wonderful cafe that will be sadly missed they were such lovely friendly people always happy to serve with a smile and nothing was to much trouble always trying to find you a table . My husband will miss Angela’s Bread pudding . Have a wonderful retirement.
We will miss this cafe for the friendly welcoming family that they were my husband loved Angela’s bread pudding you could not fault them in any way for their friendlyness and specially the food which was always lovely . Good Luck to you all and enjoy your retirement
What a loss, the infamous Dory’s sausage is dead.
57 years eating there and I am still alive, which is surprising.
Like the loss of a family member but without the fuss!
Thank you so much guys, forever in my mind tho sadly not in my stomach.
Neil F
During my six years living in Barnet as a diplomat, shopping for fresh produce at the Market was always followed by a Saturday breakfast at Dory’s. It wasn’t just about the meals—it was a place filled with warmth, laughter, and unforgettable memories. From royal guests to regulars who became like family, you truly created something special.
We left London in 2017, but during our visit this May, we once again savored the meals and enjoyed wonderful conversations. It’s so sad to see Dory’s close, but we’re incredibly proud of everything you’ve brought to our family and the community. You poured your heart into every cup, and it showed in everything you did.
Ahh so sad to hear this ❤️,when I was a student at Barnet college doing my art I came and spent many happy hours photographing your cafe for my coursework, I bought frames and you hung them all around your shop , when I returned 10yrs later they were still there in black and white on the walls, great history ,I was delighted, keep them safe x best wishes Argine weir 🙏
Damnation – I found it only last week – delicious food, friendly service. I wish them a very happy retirement.
I was a regular customer in 70s and 80s food was excellent my favourite was shepherds pie Dory and Tony and his wife serving. I moved away from Barnet to Cornwall in the late eighties. I did pop in when I was in town. Sad to see Dory’s close but retirement come to us all. I was born the year Dory’s open being a local boy I have seen a lot of changes to Barnet over the years. Happy Retirement.
The best egg, bacon, fried slice and beans I have ever tasted, always a warm welcome. Sad loss for Barnet, bur thank you.
I used to work next door and above Dory’s in Mornworth, I was a daily customer for a while when Pino was serving and Tony was the cook. They used to be a bit short with me if we’d been crashing about next door. This was before it poshed up, it still had the yellow interior back then with a big burner for the tea in the counter. Pino was straight in the back of the Green Man at opening times for his medicinal scotch!
Angela’s mum was a star already remembered my Nan and mum. Even when I’d not been there since little, recognised me and said I know your Nan. Then I worked in Barnet 96 and would go there more often. Lovely and as others have said, you went there and spoke to everyone the tables were that close. Best wishes for retirement and the future guys.
Without a doubt the most welcoming cafe in the London area with the most superior food . Their sausage sandwiches should have won many awards. High Barnet will never be the same again and I wish all the luck in the world to the most caring staff of Dorys Cafe : you will be sorely missed by many . XXX
What great memories of a wonderful place and people. I spent every saturday as a child here in the 70/80’s with my Nan, while my grandad was in the George over the rd drinking with the Beverley sisters. This place will be sorely missed. Happy retirement xx
Wishing you a happy retirement relax enjoy thank you for such wonderful service and outstanding food x
So sad to see Dory’s is closing its door’s. I loved working with you all. I had plenty of laughs with you & the customers. Barnet will never be the same without you guys. Good luck to you all for the future & enjoy your retirement. Lots of love to you all.
Ah end of an era, Dory’s fame speard far and wide. As a member of the TA centre opposite, I was in Germany, when we were awakened one morning by a regular soldier shouting “ get up and get your breakfast at Dory’s”
Thanks for the early morning chats, I will miss the banter and breakfast. 5am will never be the same again. Best wishes to you all,
Wow wishing both of you a happy retirement sorry for the end of Dory’s. I remember you and your family from Raydean Road in lived at number 13 live and best wishes Suzanne need Dockray xx
I wonder if they are related to the Pellici family who own the very famous Pelicci’s cafe in Bethnal Green Road?
Yes they are.Dory was the eldest son of Priamo and Elide Pellicci who opened Pellicci’s cafe at Bethnal Green.
My dad Bob BOOT took us BOOT kids into Dory’s almost everyday for breakfast, dinner and evening meals. Cup of Tea upon cup of tea, my dad wouldn’t of survived without a cup of Dory’s or Doreen’s tea, and Tony and his cooking… sad times for Barnet to come.
Hi Carol long time no hear hope all is well ! Yes sad day for Barnet with Dory’s closure , lots of good memories over the years there take care Trish xx
Yes agree I also knew Bobby boot had many a drink with him ,and as for dory’s all bloody legends
Such a shame to loose such an iconic piece of Barnet High Street.
I worked in Barnet Market from 1980 – 1986.
For me going round to Dotys for the coffees and bacon rolls, was not a chore.
The coffee steamer by the window, the queue to get in and the telling offs I got from them, was all part of the game.
Unfortunately moved away so I didn’t get to go in as much as I used to, but they will and it will be missed.
First went in dory’s in 1968 when working in Barnet instruments and until at least 2018 on odd occasions after brilliant cafe steak and kidney pie home cooked by Tony my favourite good food and lovely family it a shame it’s closed but all good things come to an end I stilled going in when I started working for last removals and then Michael Gersons over 50 years approximately a lot of food lol
I will miss them, we were “across the road” neighbors for almost 40 years.
Good Luck and Happy retirement to them all!