Businesses on Wentworth Street in London's historic Petticoat Lane Market are struggling to stay open due to what they describe as 'horrible' conditions caused by a popular food court. Around 30 street food stalls set up daily on pitches designated by Tower Hamlets Council, generating queues, cooking smoke, and litter that local shop owners say are driving customers away.
Shop owner claims food stalls create health and environmental hazards
Michael Fox, owner of Ink Me Tattoo Studio on Wentworth Street, said the food court has made life 'difficult' for local businesses. 'I get no peace,' Fox said. 'The amount of rubbish left behind, the noise, the smoke, it's horrible.' He claims he spends up to £300 a month on cleaners to remove grease and smoke stains from his shop's front windows. 'You see them throwing oil into the street drains, and then the drains get blocked.'
Fox, who opened his shop five years ago, believes the stalls are 'boxing out' businesses from potential customers. 'I'm only surviving because I have a name in the area, and people actively come out looking for me,' he said. 'I've seen so many shops close in the last few years because they can't survive. Anyone trying to start a business here without a brand beforehand won't succeed.'
Petition calls food court a 'public health, environmental, and heritage disaster'
A local petition has been launched, claiming the Petticoat Lane Food Court is creating 'a public health, environmental, and heritage disaster.' The food court, separate from the centuries-old traders' market, was established by Tower Hamlets Council in 2009 but has recently seen a surge in popularity. Fox added, 'We pay business rates as stores here, but we get no help from the council. The food market has caused nothing but problems.'
Council defends food stall licensing and cleaning efforts
A Tower Hamlets Council spokesperson said the food stall in question is not operating illegally and has been licensed to trade from that location since May 2023. 'Wentworth Street has been home to market trading for many decades, and this pitch forms part of an established market. Market traders were operating in this location before [Mr Fox's] business opened.'
The council said it carries out regular inspections alongside environmental health and pollution teams to monitor smoke and grease, and the area is cleaned regularly. 'We recognise that grease build-up can be challenging in locations where hot food is prepared, and are trialling a number of specialist cleaning methods to find the most effective solution. We take concerns raised by businesses seriously and continue to work with traders and local businesses to ensure the market operates safely, responsibly and in a way that supports the wider area.'
