In the cafe, the Greek element dominates, you will be able to enjoy Freddo Espresso, Greek coffee, thyme honey, orange juice and classic chocolates
By Marina Charalambous
In the center of London, on the busy Broadwick Street, there is a small Greek corner. “Leon Dore cafe” is much more than just a coffee shop. It is a place that takes you on a journey through the flavors and images of Greece.
When you enter the cafe you will see that the Greek element dominates, you will be able to enjoy Freddo Espresso, Greek coffee, thyme honey, orange juice and classic almond chocolates. The Greek feel is everywhere, from the icon of Saint Ephraim that welcomes you at the entrance, to the black and white family photos that adorn the walls. A little further behind a green curtain you will find the creations of Teddy Santis.
Who is Teddy Santis?
Teddy Santis is the founder of the internationally recognized brand Aimé Leon Dore and artistic director of New Balance. He is a Greek-American fashion designer with roots in Mytilene and the Peloponnese and is considered one of the most successful fashion entrepreneurs. He has managed to combine his Greek roots with modern trends, creating a unique brand loved worldwide. From Queens, New York to global stores, the story of Teddy Santis stands out with every stitch of Aimé Leon Dore telling a story about his Greek roots.
The brand name comes from the word ‘Aimé’, a variation of the French word ‘beloved’, ‘Leon’ which was his father’s nickname, while ‘Dore’ comes from Teddy’s birth name, Theodore. . His collections are inspired by Greece and many times you will see elements such as hagiographies adorning his special pieces.
“Growing up I wanted to be the most honest version of myself and my brand is exactly that. It’s clothes my grandfather wears in the village every day, but also what LeBron James chooses. These are two completely different things, but the common denominator is the reasons why these two people wear them – because they represent them” he confides in an interview with Vogue Greece.
“The summers in Greece taught me to love life. We finished school in America on the 27th of June and on the 28th my parents sent us to spend two months barefoot with our grandparents in Mytilini. My father wanted us to see that he had come from a place of poverty and struggle, to understand that the opportunities of our lives in New York were not taken for granted. He believed – correctly – that we couldn’t get better if we didn’t learn these lessons. In my teenage years I resented it because I wanted to spend my summers with my friends in Queens, but at 18 I started to care about my family and my hometown.”
Main photo source (Teddy Santis): Vogue.gr
Source :Skai
I am Frederick Tuttle, who works in 247 News Agency as an author and mostly cover entertainment news. I have worked in this industry for 10 years and have gained a lot of experience. I am a very hard worker and always strive to get the best out of my work. I am also very passionate about my work and always try to keep up with the latest news and trends.
