Meet Gilda

Proud Italian matriarch who runs "Pasta Romana" in Leeds. Usually singing opera at the top of her voice while serving. One of the city's secrets mostly known to locals and office workers. Undoubtedly one of the best Italian delis outside Italy - and I'll argue with anyone over that!

I haven't been in for some time, but decided to drop in and have a coffee and piece of tray pizza. Excellent.

To be honest, when I walked in, it was as though it was only yesterday and Gilda "delegated" the counter trade to "the boys" and we chatted for at least an hour.

Her expression here was when she was getting wound up by the health service. "Why not you speak with Mr Cameron and sort it? You know these people, so give him a call - is not fair on us old folk!". Mmm.

In her twenties she used to be a pretty famous model in Rome - and loves to bring out the newspaper cuttings to prove it... Top notch lady.

Ciao Gilda!