For 23 years now Leila's has been at the foodie heart of Shoreditch. One of the first interesting food businesses, along with Rochelle Canteen to open in the area, back in 2002, it was the passion project of Leila McAlister. But the longstanding shop and restaurant is facing an existential crisis. It's all down to a massive 300% rent hike that's being demanded by her landlord. But the landlord isn't your common or garden faceless corporation, it's none other than Tower Hamlets Council.
In a post on Facebook, Leila's said of the situation; "Leila opened the Shop with community and long-term sustainability as core values. These values remain, but can only be maintained with affordable rent.
"What is the cost to communities if our neighbourhoods have no space for small-scale independent businesses? If store owners are no longer present, day in day out, replaced instead by soulless chains?" They add that Leila has been trying to resolve the matter with the council, "but no-one will talk with her. She has written to the mayor, Lutfur Rahman, but has had no response. Public action is the only course left."
The list of supporters on their Instagram page is impressive, with everyone from Ballymaloe's Darina Allen, chef Jeremy Lee and author Olia Hercules pledging their support. If you'd like to join them by voicing your disapproval of Tower Hamlet Council's decision you can do that here.
More about Leila's Shop
Where is it? 15-17 Calvert Avenue, London E2 7JP
Find out more: Sign the petition here or follow them on Instagram @leilas_shop
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