Joe Allen, one of the longest-running productions in Theatreland, may be facing the final curtain.

Never exactly a foodie hotspot – in fact most famous for its off-menu burger – this 1977 recreation of a famous, brick-lined, NYC Theatreland linchpin (off Times Square) has long earned its keep by being “a great place to meet pre/post show”. This despite food that sometimes invites the question “how are they still trading”. As well as show-goers, it is a particular favourite amongst actors and the theatre crowd itself.

Ironically the threat comes from none other than arch-luvvie, Robert de Niro. Well, he’s one of the investors anyway in the new Covent Garden hotel, The Wellington, which is potentially earmarked for the old Joe’s site.

Apparently landlords Capco, the same firm as are responsible for the massive redevelopment of Earl’s Court, are trying to find a new site for Joe’s.