E-bikes, blocking Lemonia’s entrance. (Image: SWNS)
Beloved Greek eatery Lemonia, a fixture in the swanky neighbourhood for decades, is often swamped with up to 60 Lime and Forest bikes left outside. Owner Anthony Evangelou says the addition has caused havoc for his business – popular with celebs like Madonna and Harry Styles – and is considering taking legal action.
The octogenarian entrepreneur says the e-bikes block Lemonia’s supply entry point, throwing the restaurant’s daily operations into disarray.
When the parking space is full, Lime and Forest users leave their bikes on the pavement or down the street, Mr Evangelou said, which he claims is “dangerous” for his customers and stops his neighbours leaving their garages.
Compounding the turmoil, suppliers have warned Mr Evangelou they may cease deliveries given how difficult it has become to reach the restaurant.
Lemonia’s owner Anthony Evangelou (Image: SWNS)
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. And some are put outside our neighbour’s garage.
“He’s a doctor. He needs to get out for emergencies and at times hasn’t been able to”
Outdoor seating at Lemonia (Image: SWNS)
“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.”
Since February, after criticism aimed at companies like Lime and Forest, users are now required to park in designated areas like the one causing contention outside Lemonia.
E-bikes and scooters flood the pavement outside the restaurant (Image: SWNS)
Still, Mr Evangelou argued against shifting the problem onto others: “This designated parking area is in the wrong place. It should not be outside a restaurant. But it also shouldn’t be moved and just impact a different business.”
He suggested more thoughtful planning from highway teams: “Highways teams need to figure out spaces where the bikes can go without disrupting people – such as near traffic light crossings.
“It shouldn’t be that the bike companies benefit and the rest of us get punished. The system shouldn’t work like that.”
Signalling potential escalation, Mr Evangelou revealed: “We’re considering taking legal action if something isn’t done about this.”
Mr Evangelou says bikes are blocking the restaurant’s entrance (Image: SWNS)
To make matters worse, a large bin designated for nearby flats has been placed outside, leading to “mountains of rubbish” accumulating on the street.
This, combined with the e-bikes, has left Mr Evangelou concerned about the impact this may have on the reputation of leafy Primrose Hill.
Lemonia is popular with locals and celebs alike – with A listers such as Madonna, Harry Styles, Kate Winslet and Matt Smith all reported to have dined there.
Lemonia is located in posh Primrose Hill (Image: SWNS)
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?”
In response to these worries, a Lime spokesperson assured: “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.
A bin that was recently installed for a nearby building is another obstacle (Image: SWNS)
“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.”
Meanwhile, Alex Berwin, 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.
Suppliers are finding it hard to reach the restaurant (Image: SWNS)
“Our Operations team are operative 24/7, and we have a dedicated team of on-foot Guardians in Camden who proactively relocate abandoned e-bikes and tidy parking bays.
“This is in addition to in-app AI technology we have implemented into our app which grades users’ end-of-ride photos and can detect when an e-bike is left irresponsibly, and after which we will warn, fine or suspend their account.”
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.