A COUPLE who have run a corner shop for almost three decades have shocked the community by announcing their well-deserved retirement.

The Empress Food Store in Empress Avenue, Aldersbrook, has been a focal point for residents since 1981 when it was taken over by Jack and Gita Patel.

Whether popping in for penny sweets, pet food or just a good old fashioned gossip, their doors have always been open, seven days a week.

But now after 28 years of service, the beloved couple, who claim they were the first Asians in the area, have shut up shop for the final time to enjoy their golden years.

Mr Patel, 63, said: "When we first opened it was like the supermarket of the day.

"People used to come in here to do there weekly shop as it had everything, like a little Aladdin's cave.

"We never closed even for half a day except for family weddings and funerals and we used to be open on Christmas Day until recently.

"The whole time we have been open we've never been on holiday as a family."

Mrs Patel, 58, added: "Some of the families we've known for five generations.

"People come in for a gossip and sometimes they chat for hours.

"It's like the Queen Vic in here!"

The shop has had no shortage of celebrities through its doors, with actors Nick Berry and Sid Owen and glamour model Danielle Lloyd to name but a few.

But Mr and Mrs Patel are now hoping their son Arpen, 31, will hit the big time after appearing as an extra in Eastenders, Spooks and The Bill since being made redundant in February.

Mrs Patel said: "When Danielle Lloyd came in I came down to meet her and she was very good looking. I could also tell she was trouble though.

"We are hoping our son is going to become a movie star and then he and his wife Ronak can look after us."

The couple are now planning a series of holidays and before turning the shop, which has been in the street since 1975 under two previous owners, into a two bedroom flat.

Mr Patel said: "It's a great community here that I don't think you could find anywhere else in East London.

"We've never had to have any rules about the amount of school children in or anything like that because we know all their parents and they wouldn't dare.

"We'd like to thank all our customers over the years and assure them that we will miss them as much as they miss us."

Loyal customer Judith McCann, 46, of Empress Avenue, said: "They are really lovely, friendly people who are a real asset to the community.

"I'm going to miss them very much because they're always there for a chat."