Kosher butcher Jacky Lipowicz recalls that when he opened his shop on the Hanger Lane gyratory in West London in 1985, “the [local] community was vibrant”. Thirty-six years on, the picture is very different, a factor behind the decision to close the business.

“We have become a bit of a landmark over the years,” said Mr Lipowicz, who is chairman of the Licensed Kosher Meat Traders’ Association.

“People pass it on their way to Heathrow Airport. They would phone up and say: ‘What are you doing there?' It used to give me great pleasure.”

But with the lease up for renewal, the 77-year-old feels “it is time to retire, although I don’t think I will ever be able to walk away from the trade completely”.

He reminisced that the shop and the colourful characters who have worked there “were extremely well known to anyone who lived in or passed through Ealing.

“In our good days, the local shul would have up to 500 people on a High Holy-Day.”

But as the community shrunk, Mr Lipowicz kept the business afloat through deliveries to customers in areas including St John’s Wood, Finchley and the West End.

“We supplied a lot of kosher restaurants and I would love going in to see people enjoying the food.”

He added that down the years, he had prided himself on keeping prices under control.

“It is sad it has come to an end but things do, I guess. I love the trade and I will always be involved in some way I’m sure.”

His business partner, Andrew Schlagman, is planning to set up shop in Hendon.