Plans to open Grasmere's first-ever kebab shop have sparked outrage among residents of the Lake District village, which poet William Wordsworth once described as "the loveliest spot that man hath ever found." The local council has refused planning permission for the proposed Grasmere Kebab Shop, which would have replaced the existing Goody Blakes restaurant on Stock Lane.
Owner Shwan Khder had sought approval to install a new chimney and make other modifications to facilitate a grill. However, the Lakes Parish Council recommended refusal, stating that a kebab shop would introduce an "out of keeping" level of activity and operational intensity that could "undermine the established character and function of this part of the village." The council also warned of potential noise pollution and increased vehicle congestion, which could disrupt Grasmere's tranquility.
Despite the refusal, Khder has stated his intention to fight the decision and plans to reapply for a change of use to a takeaway. He maintains that customers can eat in or take out, emphasizing it will not be solely a takeaway establishment. "If Wordsworth was alive today, of course he would [be one of my customers]. He needed energy and he needed food, especially if it's fresh, homemade food like my kebabs," Khder commented.
Many residents, however, have voiced strong opposition. One local described the prospect as a "nightmare," while another called the proposed eatery an "eyesore" that is "completely out of keeping with the nature of what is a mainly residential area." Concerns have also been raised about litter and the potential for the village's character to be degraded, with one bookseller suggesting it could lead to a cascade of further fast-food establishments.
Others have expressed worry about the impact on property values and local businesses. John Lowther, a resident for over 40 years, stated a takeaway "simply does not fit in with this beautiful village" and that Grasmere "doesn't need a kebab shop at all."
However, the plans have divided the community. Some residents support the initiative, with one bartender noting the lack of late-night dining options in the village after finishing her shift. Another local expressed a belief in "free enterprise," suggesting that some opposition stems from a desire to keep Grasmere "as a museum." A distillery owner added that he would "definitely try a kebab once."
Wordsworth lived in Grasmere and is buried there. His descriptions of the village have long been associated with its idyllic and preserved natural beauty.