Sabra Travel in Edgware took its last booking on December 31 after 40 years serving the Jewish community. But owner Sonia Michaels will continue to offer full travel agency services to leisure and corporate clients in association with 2001 Travel in Mill Hill.

Mrs Michaels took the decision to shut the shop when the lease expired. “It’s been a pleasure to serve the local Jewish community," she said. "From our shop we have been able to witness community life becoming more active in Edgware.

“Over four decades, it has gone from having very little in the way of kosher shops and restaurants to having an abundance.

“Online travel bookings have inevitably affected the holiday market over recent years.

“But there will always be something more personable about sitting face-to-face with a travel agent when booking that honeymoon, barmitzvah or once- in- a-lifetime tour or trip to Israel.”

Mrs Michaels said she would miss watching the hustle and bustle outside the window, particularly on Fridays when many of her clients would wave as they passed on their way to buy challahs.