The Cost of Staying
Lately, there has been so much talk about rising rates, soaring rents, and the pressure on the high street — particularly in hospitality.
It can feel relentless. Headlines telling us what is disappearing. What cannot survive. What may not make it through.
And then, while tidying, amongst the archives, I stumbled upon something unexpected. An old Sunday Times article, dated March 24, 1991, featuring us.
The journalist, Jenny Woolf, wrote:
“The specialty shops of London are fast disappearing, and the uniform business rate, combined with ever-soaring rents, will kill off many of those that are left.”
Not 2024. Not last month. Not last week. It stopped me in my tracks. Because suddenly I found myself wondering — is this a crisis unique to now? Or is this simply the rhythm of business? The cycle that keeps turning?
Prices have always risen. Things have always cost more than they used to.
A pint of milk cost more in my childhood than it did in my mother’s. And it will cost more still when my daughter buys it. Our parents bought their homes for a fraction of what we are paying today. Inflation has always existed. It always will. But knowing that doesn’t make it any less daunting when you’re in it.
The article from 1991 mentioned that rents in Soho had soared, and businesses — including us — were facing potential increases of 400 per cent. Four hundred per cent.
More recently, we watched coffee prices hit a 40-year high, some beans more than quadrupling per tonne. When increases are gradual, you can adapt. You adjust. You breathe and recalibrate. But when you’re faced with the possibility of an extra £100,000 a year across the board, it keeps you awake at night.
What struck me most in that old article, though, was this line:
“Some of these people who run these little shops are determined not to be forced out. They like their way of life and their customers. They don’t want to close… Instead, they diversify, mingling high-profit lines with staples, seeking small, obscure, unusual suppliers.”
It could have been written about us today.
We search and create exciting coffees. Limited editions. Artisan confectionery. Beautiful machinery. We are still mixing the staple with the special. Still adapting. Still evolving.
And perhaps most importantly, still offering a warm welcome in an age that often feels like a series of cold transactions.
Yes, our prices rise too. They must. That is the reality of survival. But they will always be fair. Considered. Honest. Inflation is nothing new. Volatility is nothing new. Uncertainty is nothing new. What is new, each time, is how it feels when you’re living through it.
We remain here not just because it is a good business — though it is — but because it is part of who we are. It is our home. Our history. We grew up here. These walls have seen decades of change, challenge, reinvention. This year we celebrate 80 years of our family running the shop.
So, we adapt. We steady ourselves. We keep going.
And through all of it, one thing has remained constant.
You. Your loyalty. Your support. Your decision to walk through our door, to choose us, to stay with us. For that — truly — we are grateful.
Comments
Algerian Coffee Stores?
A customer for decades. Simply irreplaceable.
Brava, Bravissima!
Much Love, Martin
What a wonderful post. While rates and costs have always risen, I can only imagine the challenges shops must face with the internet on one hand and finding labour on the other… First got coffee from you nearly 40 years ago in 1988 and been drinking Algerian ever since. Nipping out from work to pop in every 3 weeks or so to stock up. If I recall, I discovered you in the old Time Out Guide to London Shopping (remember that..?) before seeking you out – well done on surviving for so long, not sure how many of the other stores have done so well!
I recently discovered Algerian Coffee Stores and honestly think you have the best, most interesting range of coffees of any shop in London or on the internet! And at very reasonable prices.
If you do need to put your prices up to cover higher costs, I’m happy to pay – you’re that much better than the other places I’ve got my coffee over the years.
Please just keep doing what you’re doing :-)
I hope to see the book commemorating 80yrs, and perhaps the stories and views of the newest members of the Algerian coffee store family!
Too old to travel, 1.2.36
but many happy memories
Thank you, ACS
I’m in my 60s and have been buying coffee from you for more years than I can remember. It always cheers me when I come to Soho and see the shop full and busy. But you’ve also developed a brilliant online offer which I also take advantage of when I can’t get to London – I love your parcels! Hopefully your online sales are helping to keep you viable for the future!
The French have in the cliché, Plus cą change, plus c’est la même chose, as the 1991 article and your blog demonstrate. Thank goodness that it so applies to your store and your constant fight for survival. I’m 80 in May which means I’m proud to say that you have been running such a successful and wonderful business for my entire life. Thank you for all your efforts to provide such a splendid service for me for at least the last 50 years half of which was over the counter in Old Compton St and half to me where I live in Somerset. I should also say that your deliveries are here in no time and those folk who criticise your delivery times should get out more and realise that you are unique as are other long standing outlets that help to keep the traditions and culture of Soho alive.
Such a valued supplier of coffee & confectionery and accessories etc is a vital part of (my) life and the life of Soho. Long may you fight off rising costs, including business rates and the influences of world events. My best wishes to the whole team and thank you.
I recently visited your super shop. Well, it’s more than just a shop. The selection of specialty coffees and teas is a lesson in itself. The staff a so knowledgeable and beautifully human. The attention and warmth from the lovely (Irish) woman who ‘served’ me was so heartfelt. I travelled from Scotland last weekend with the clear intention to make my twice yearly pilgrimage to The Algerian Coffee Shop. I was not disappointed. The shop is a work of art in action. I am savouring the bespoke suggested coffee and tea…This would not been at all possible had I bought online…I would not have known where to start. Also, I love Soho. Looking forward to another visit in the autumn…Thank you xx
I have been shopping here since I was 18, I’m now 84.
As long as you are there so shall I!
Thank you for your spirit of perseverance in offering us the enjoyment of your shop’s coffee & other specialty offerings over the years❣️(I read the article)
I am proud to take your coffee as gifts to family members across the world who enjoy sharing with their friends in Chicago, Florence & Tokyo. 😊
Hi guys
We’ve been customers for nearly 40 years and at various times so have our family and friends. When we’re in London we pop in for the best espresso in town. We hope you’ll always be there.
For the many years I’ve been buying my coffee from Algerian Coffee Stores the happy combination of tradition, quality, friendly people and consistent welcome innovation has made it a pleasure doing business there
Long may you continue in spite of a threatening world
You, your team and your store are so important to us and the cultural fabric of the city!
Give yourselves a big hug!
Thanks.☕️
That is a delightful story, Marisa – and a stalwart response! It is remarkable that the three of you continue to ensure the business’s continuity – something I admire and am thrilled to have the opportunity to support. I’ll be round for some of that shortcake!
What an amazing blog post. Clearly written from the heart. Here’s to another 80 years of great coffee.
Thank you. This was a very interesting and moving article. Lovely to see an old picture of Paul…and the shop.
I am proud and lucky to have been shopping with you for over 40 years and I love the innovations you bring in and the service you always provide.
Thank you.
This was a lovely re-affirmation that if it matters it will survive, although a fairly new convert to proper coffee at home, if more people realised that for the cost of a coffee in a high priced starbucks who only compete by using their pre-payment scheme which is reported to bring in $10Billion dollars a year – no FCA rules, and for them its in now way about the coffee, ACS will go on, it just needs more of us coffee nerds to find unique people like yourselves! good luck with the future and as long as i can drink coffee you will be my merchant… ps : recieved 3 tins fo F&M xmas coffee during the festive period and not one has been open ! ACS all the way!
Brilliant and informative article – beats buying your coffee from a faceless supermarket!!
My Grandmother used to bring me upto the shop when I was a nipper she was in service and was sent up every friday to buy coffee. its nice to see you surviving in the area which I find parts that are hardly recognisable to me now. Congratulations on 80 years Im not far behind at 78.
interesting! Nothing will stop my Algerian Coffee Shop. Breakfast