Allodi Accordions in Lewisham to close after 50 years

Allodi Accordions, nestled on Lee High Road, has been a cherished hub for both budding musicians since 1978, offering a range of new and second-hand accordions under the expert guidance of shop owner Emilio Allodi.

Emilio's journey with accordions began with inspiration from his father, a maestro in accordion repairs, and his uncle, one of Italy's most renowned accordion players.

With a legacy steeped in music, Emilio embraced his family's passion for accordions, merging their tradition with his own love for the instrument to create a haven for accordion enthusiasts.

Emilio Allodi and Brandon McPhee (Image: Emilio Allodi)

As the shop prepares to close, it marks the end of an era for the musical community that has grown to love and rely on Allodi Accordions for its expertise and dedication.

Emilio told the News Shopper: “I am turning 71 soon, and I saw how my dad continued working until he started losing his sight.

“He was registered blind by the end, but he was still repairing accordions.

“He was still working at 85, and I thought, if that’s me, I’ll never have a life outside of the shop. I’ve been a musician all my life.

Bruno Allodi, Emilio's father (Image: Emilio Allodi)

“My wife is a professional singer, and we’ve played in bands together for 35 years.

“It’s always been work in the shop, dash home, get into a dinner suit, rush to the gig, unload equipment, and all that. It’s time to put a little stop to this.”

Emilio shared that what he'll miss most is the interaction with customers, having served everyone from local regulars to high-profile celebrities over the decades.

“I’m actually fixing Paul McCartney’s keyboard player’s accordion right now,” Emilio told the News Shopper.

He added: “I’ve also repaired accordions for one of Bruce Springsteen’s musicians, as well as for Sheryl Crow and Status Quo.

“My dad’s reputation was regarded in the industry, and that’s how our whole ethos is ‘do not have an unhappy customer’.

(Image: Emilio Allodi)

“It’s a very, small accordion community throughout the country, as well as Lewisham.”

Despite the shop to close in the upcoming winter months, Emilio is still committing to his three-year guarantee, and will “dabble” in working from the comfort of his own home.

He explained, “I still have over 200 accordions here to sell before Christmas, which isn't going to happen.

“So, everything that doesn’t get sold will go to my home.

“I’ve already prepared an outbuilding, properly heated and set up with a workbench.

"While the business won’t continue, I will honour all the guarantees and keep my hand in by dabbling with repairs.

“People will miss our name, my dad's name, in the accordion world. We’ve always been at or near the top, which is why we’ve been successful.

“It’s sad, but it has to happen for me to finally have a bit of time for myself.”