A takeaway in central London that gained fame on TikTok has been destroyed by a fire just one day after it reopened following a court-ordered closure. The Lebanese Grill Express in Clerkenwell was known for its shawarma, which attracted large crowds of TikTok users, sparking complaints from local residents.
Residents Complained of Noise and Violence
Nearby residents of the Bourne Estate reported issues including noise, litter, smoke, and fighting. A mother-of-two living nearby said teenagers would arrive from across London 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 issued 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 morning.
Fire Details and Response
The fire destroyed the takeaway, a loft extension, and the roof of the building, and damaged parts of the first and second floors. Seven residents escaped unharmed, and surrounding properties were evacuated, according to the London Fire Brigade. The blaze took three hours to extinguish, with 80 firefighters at the scene. 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.'
Investigation Ongoing
Lebanese Grill Express was contacted for comment. The cause of the fire remains unknown as investigations continue.
