A fire has destroyed a TikTok-famous takeaway in Clerkenwell, central London, that had been the subject of numerous complaints from residents regarding noise, litter, and fighting. The blaze at Lebanese Grill Express occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, with dozens of firefighters responding to the scene. The building, which included a ground-floor shop and dwellings above, sustained significant damage, including the destruction of the shop, a loft extension, and the roof. Half of the first floor and part of the second floor were also damaged.
Seven residents were able to escape the three-story building before the fire brigade arrived. Firefighters evacuated neighboring properties as a precaution. No injuries have been reported. The London Fire Brigade reported that the fire was brought under control within just over three hours, with approximately 80 firefighters and twelve fire engines attending.
The Lebanese Grill Express had reopened only one day prior to the fire, following a court-ordered closure due to persistent issues. Residents of the nearby Bourne Estate had lodged complaints about the establishment, citing late-night noise, litter, smoke, and public disturbances. Some residents described the situation as feeling unsafe, with teenagers gathering for TikTok videos contributing to noise, and instances of fighting, souped-up cars, and even fireworks being set off.
Ward councillors had previously characterized Lebanese Grill as a source of "significant public nuisance, disorder and environmental degradation," including allegations of aggressive behavior and intimidation. Despite the revocation of its late-night license in November due to pollution concerns, the business was reportedly able to continue operating until 1 a.m. pending an appeal.
In April, the takeaway, which had also received a zero-star rating for food hygiene, stated that it was not their responsibility to police anti-social behavior once customers left the premises. The manager, Zack Khan, had previously denied responsibility for customer litter or loud music, asserting that the business made efforts to maintain peace and respect neighbors. He indicated that staff would intervene if customers played loud music and that litter collection was a goodwill gesture.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The establishment first opened in 2021, and subsequent meetings involving owners, residents, police, and the local council aimed to address the disruptions. During one meeting, the owner reportedly accused authorities and residents of incompetence and racism.