Famous London high street 'invaded by dodgy' bars and restaurants

A famous London high street has been invaded by "dodgy" bars and restaurants.

Green Lanes in Palmers Green is a high street and a famously historic route in North London.

Residents in the area have now become deeply suspicious of new shops opening down the road.

Cafés, takeaways and estate agents have seemingly been replaced with buildings with bright, garish signage and shopfronts with notably darkened windows.

Men are said to congregate outside from morning until late evening, some drinking at plastic tables whilst others stand about on the pavement.

At least five establishments operating as cafés, lounges or bars remain open round-the-clock within a half-mile stretch, according to the Daily Mail.

The publication reports that local pub regulars rarely visit these venues and that they have very few online reviews.

Residents submitted numerous complaints about shouting, fighting, and disturbances that continued into the early morning hours.

One establishment was forced to change its name after a fatal stabbing outside in July 2023 resulted in its licence being withdrawn.

A striking pattern of rapid company turnover has emerged across these premises.

Another site has been linked to 13 separate companies over 14 years.

Campaigners argue this constant dissolution and reformation of businesses hampers enforcement efforts and enables operators to distance themselves from past complaints.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• Tesco quietly removes food hygiene rating sign highlighting evidence of mouse droppings in store
• Museum slaps trigger warning on beloved children’s book for 'outdated views'
• School in lockdown with pupil arrested after three people injured in suspected stabbing

Police raided one business in February 2025 whilst investigating drug matters, discovering illegal casino-style gambling on the premises.

Residents objecting to licence applications have repeatedly cited fears about crime, public disorder and harassment of women by men outside the venues.

One establishment had been serving food without proper registration as a food business, a situation Haringey Council has yet to address.

Labour MP for Southgate and Wood Green Bambos Charalambous said local residents have repeatedly voiced concerns about potential criminal activity at these venues.

He told the Mail: "There has been a proliferation of cafes and other shops on the high street and there is a suspicion among local residents that some of them are just fronts.

"There are a lot of different agencies involved, while police need evidence and it can be frustrating when that isn't available."

Mr Charalambous has presented a petition to Parliament seeking enhanced powers and resources for Trading Standards officers and financial investigators.

Enfield Council cabinet member Cllr Elisa Morreale pledged "robust action" against those breaching licensing conditions.

The Met said it was "tackling it head-on in the Green Lanes area" through increased patrols.

GB News has reached out to Haringey Council for a comment.

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter