Abdiwahid Mohamed, 42, owner of Maicafe in Shepherd's Bush, West London, says he could lose his £200,000 investment after Hammersmith & Fulham Council refused planning permission for the second time. The café, which opened in March and serves customers daily from 8am to 11pm, has been told to cease trading as an unauthorised café/restaurant following a complaint in April.
Owner spent £48,000 on coffee machine alone
Mohamed, known as Abdi, has invested more than £200,000 in the business, including a £48,000 coffee machine. He currently pays £1,700 a month in financing costs for additional kitchen equipment—such as ovens and hobs—that he cannot use until planning permission is secured. He argues that because all food is prepared off-site, he is complying with regulations under class E, the same planning class as cafés or restaurants.
"I have machines that have been there for the last six months, I've been paying the finance company, that I've never even turned on for one day. You can imagine the implications, paying almost £2,000 to a finance team and you can't even use the appliances, hoping you will be given permission," he explained.
Council says area already has too many food outlets
In its latest rejection, issued on July 21, a council officer stated the proposed operation is 'unacceptable in principle' as it would "increase the concentration of food establishments in an area where such uses are already prevalent." The council has refused permission twice—in March and July 2026—citing concerns over impact on local residents and highway issues.
Mohamed, who launched his first venture, a travel agents, at age 25, is hopeful his late-night venue can compete with chains like Heavenly Desserts, offering £5.50 fruit smoothies, large cappuccinos for £4.10, and desserts such as Lotus Biscoff-flavoured tiramisu.
Owner fears closure despite compliance efforts
Mohamed warned that being forced to shut would have a 'huge implication' for him. "At the same time they're asking for your business rates every month, but at the same time refusing the business you're trading—it doesn't quite make sense. Staff cost, items, machinery, stocks, rent, electricity—they're trying to work their way to make me close the place," he said.
He added: "I wouldn't allow that—there aren't any people in the kitchen, it's just coffee now, just leave me to peace. I'm in my category and I don't think I'm doing anything wrong."
A Hammersmith & Fulham Council spokesperson stated: "H&F officers refused planning permission for a café at 115-117 Uxbridge Road in Shepherds Bush twice—in March and July 2026—following concerns over the impact on local residents and highway issues. We are now investigating the premises after we received reports that a café may be operating from the site and will take appropriate enforcement action if the planning decision has been ignored."
