I WOULD like to wish the Excelsior Cafe all the best for their reopening after their brief closure last week (Friday’s Oxford Mail).

I have many happy memories of the Excelsior Cafe in Cowley Road.

My first boyfriend and I loved to have a cup of their espresso coffee in the 60s.

They had one of the first espresso machines and I loved to hear the hiss of the machine as Andy (Andreas) made our lovely coffee in the clear Pyrex cups. He always had a smile and customers were greeted as friends.

His brother Jack (the cook) would come out from the back and greet everyone.

Later, Costas joined them, always a pencil behind his ear and a quick wit.

Another friendly face of the staff was Anna, who was very kind to many of my friends going through rough times. I remember they had the most delightful desserts, jam roly-poly with custard, apple pie and my favourite, mince tart with custard.

Also they did a great kind of burger, all home-made by Jack (now sadly passed away).

The Excelsior was also a second home to the many young Irish men who came over for work in the 1960s and 1970s.

They were always sure of a good meal at the end of a day’s work.

Perhaps other readers have memories of the Excelsior.

BERNADETTE DOWNES Temple Road Oxford