Primrose Hill restaurant ‘blocked' by dozens of e-bikes
A Primrose Hill restaurant popular with celebrities is being besieged by e-bikes after the Labour-run council installed a parking bay on its doorstep.
The family-run Greek restaurant Lemonia, which has been a north-west London staple for over 40 years, has become inundated with dozens of e-bikes since the parking spot appeared overnight a few months ago.
Anthony Evangelou, the owner, said the restaurant's deliveries entrance had been blocked, resulting in drivers threatening to stop delivering supplies, prompting him to consider legal action. The 80-year-old added that, when the parking space is full, Lime and Forest users leave their bikes on the pavement, which he claims is 'dangerous'.
Mr Evangelou, who lives with his wife in nearby Highgate, said: 'The parking spot was put there a few months ago and it has been getting worse and worse ever since.
'Bikes are piling up outside our restaurant and they're not being left in the designated area. Our entrance we use for deliveries is blocked – and drivers can't get our food to us.
'Some have even threatened to not deliver because they can't carry the stuff into the restaurant as the bikes are in the way.
'That can't happen. We have lots of customers. We need our deliveries.
'Some of the bikes get dumped on the pavement which is dangerous for customers.'
He added: 'It's frustrating because Camden Council gave us an outdoor space for our restaurant. Why are they ruining it with the bikes?
'Whoever decided this was the place for a parking spot made a bad decision.
'And that's alright. Everyone makes mistakes. But mistakes should be rectified.'
'The system shouldn't work like that'
The parking space outside Lemonia was brought back in February after companies like Lime and Forest were criticised for allowing users to leave their bikes anywhere.
Mr Evangelou urged the Labour-run Camden Council to figure out where the bikes can go without disrupting businesses.
He said: 'This designated parking area is in the wrong place. It should not be outside a restaurant.
'It shouldn't be that the bike companies benefit and the rest of us get punished.
'The system shouldn't work like that. We're considering taking legal action if something isn't done about this.'
Lemonia is popular with locals and celebs alike, with Madonna, Harry Styles, Kate Winslet and Matt Smith all reported to have dined there.
Mr Evangelou said: 'Name a celebrity – they've been here. I just think the bikes will bring down the atmosphere of the restaurant.
'And is this the image we want to give of Primrose Hill – a popular destination to visit?'
Responding to Mr Evangelou's concerns, a Lime spokesperson said: 'We never want our e-bikes to obstruct access for residents or local businesses.
'The recent good weather has seen record demand and trip numbers in Camden, particularly around the borough's popular green spaces and hospitality venues, including in Primrose Hill.
'While it's encouraging to see more people choosing sustainable transport, we understand the frustration when bays become overcrowded.
'We've increased our on-street team working in Camden and are monitoring this location closely to help keep the area accessible for everyone.'
Alex Berwin, the head of policy at Forest, added: 'At Forest, we take all reports of any of our e-bikes causing an obstruction extremely seriously, particularly when it inhibits access or obstructs the public highway.
'We are committed to operating a safe and responsible service for our users and the communities we operate in.
He added that there was a team of 'on-foot Guardians' in Camden who proactively relocate abandoned e-bikes and tidy parking bays, in addition to AI technology which grades users' end-of-ride photos.
A spokesperson for Camden Council said: 'A dockless bike and e-scooter hire bay was installed at this location following a full consultation with residents and local businesses, with the aim to encourage active travel and improve local air quality and reduce carbon emissions.
'We will monitor the use of the bay and work with bike providers to ensure that any excess bikes are removed promptly.'
They added that they are available to discuss any concerns with residents and see what they can do to help ease issues going forward.
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