Chelsea-based Deli Plans New Branch in The Italians Site
Couple behind The Toll House intends to open early next year
The unit has been vacant since the end of last year
28 August, 2026
A couple who opened a deli in Chelsea earlier this year is intending to take over the currently vacant premises formerly occupied by The Italians.
Alimah and Tariq, who have three young children including twins, launched The Toll House on Cremorne Road in April and now feel it has been such a success that they have decided to take on the much larger unit at 460 Chiswick High Road.
The name comes from the original purpose of the Chelsea building in which the business operates.
Its signature dishes include Basque cheesecakes and focaccia sandwiches.
Alimah is the niece of Rifat Awan, the social work manager who established The Coffee House in Acton.
They said that they hoped the venture would become a part of the neighbourhood adding, “Chiswick has always been somewhere we’ve loved, particularly for its wonderful sense of community, beautiful high street and thriving independent businesses. When the opportunity arose to take on the former Italian restaurant, we immediately saw the potential to create something truly special. It felt like a natural next chapter for The Toll House.
“Our Chiswick location will be our flagship café and bakehouse, with a dedicated on-site bakery where we’ll be producing our cakes, pastries and desserts, alongside a beautiful café serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and speciality coffee.”
They have applied to Hounslow Council for permission to open earlier an hour earlier than the previous business.
The planning application seeks permission for opening hours of 7am to 11pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 11pm at weekends. The existing permitted hours are 11am to 3pm and 5pm to 11pm on weekdays, and 11am to 11pm at weekends.
The earlier opening would allow the business to serve breakfast to customers, including commuters. In its application, the company says the extended hours would help the new branch establish itself and remain economically viable.
The Toll House in Chelsea
In support of the application, planning consultants Firstplan point to other businesses on Chiswick High Road that already open early. These include GAIL’s Bakery, which opens at 6.30am, and Ole & Steen, which opens at 7am.
The application, reference PP-15296404, was submitted to Hounslow Council on 19 October. If approved, the intention is to work towards an opening early in 2027 with ‘preparations well underway’.
Alimah and Tariq said, “We’re incredibly excited to bring our vision to life and look forward to sharing more details as things progress.
“Above all, we’re really looking forward to becoming part of the Chiswick community. We’ve received such a warm response to The Toll House in Chelsea, and we’re excited to bring that same passion, creativity and hospitality to our new home.”
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