Lebanese Grill Express in Clerkenwell, central London, was destroyed by fire on Thursday morning, just one day after it reopened following a court-ordered closure. The takeaway had gained notoriety on TikTok for its shawarma, attracting crowds that led to complaints from nearby residents about noise, litter, smoke, and fighting.
Residents Complained of Anti-Social Behaviour
Residents of the Bourne Estate reported that the noise continued all night, with some accusing the takeaway of appearing to be 'above the law'. A mother-of-two living nearby said teenagers would descend from all over London at around 5pm to film TikTok videos. She stated: 'But then there's violence and fighting, souped-up cars that turn up late in the evening, driving up and down Leather Lane – Some people have even had fireworks fired at their windows. Then there's the level of noise and the fear factor, which is real. People don't want to go out on Leather Lane after the market's gone. It's not a safe area to walk around now.'
Court-Ordered Closure and Reopening
The complaints led to a temporary closure notice by the Metropolitan Police under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. The shop reopened last week, but a fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday.
Fire Details and Response
The fire destroyed the takeaway, a loft extension, and the roof of the building, and damaged part of the first and second floors. Seven people living in the building escaped unharmed, and surrounding properties were evacuated, according to the London Fire Brigade. The fire took three hours to extinguish, with 80 firefighters at the scene at its peak. A brigade spokesperson said: 'Two of the Brigade’s 32-metre turntable ladders were deployed to the scene to help fight the fire from above. The Brigade’s Control Office was first called at 5.42am and mobilised crews from Soho, Euston, Islington and other surrounding fire stations to the scene. The fire was under control by 8.51am. The cause of the fire is under investigation.' Lebanese Grill Express was contacted for comment.
