Lahmacun Store
A North London takeaway specialising in a Turkish style of pizza has been shut down after inspectors found it riddled with mouse droppings.
Lahmacun’cu, on near Turnpike Lane station on Wood Green High Road, was closed down by Haringey Council officials after a resident told them they had seen a rat there.
The inspectors found mouse droppings littered behind fixtures and fittings, and even in a container for takeaway cutlery. There was also evidence of cockroaches.
A council statement said the owner “appeared to be aware of the problem but had not taken effective pest control measures”.
The venue was shut down immediately during the visit on Monday 3 August. A court hearing at Highbury Magistrates Court three days later confirmed that it must stay shut until the council is happy that it is no longer a risk to public health.
The takeaway’s owners were also ordered to pay £707.50 towards the council’s costs.
Haringey Council cabinet member for environment Cllr Stuart McNamara said:
“it is shocking to hear that a venue which has been serving food to the public has been allowed to get into such a state and I am pleased that we were able to act quickly put a stop to this.
While the vast majority of restaurants and takeaways in Haringey serve food in clean and safe venues, there are a minority that ignore the rules and we will continue working to ensure the public are not put at risk by these places.”
Lahmacun is a round, thin piece of dough topped with minced meat, most commonly beef or lamb. It is combined with minced vegetables and herbs including onions, tomatoes and parsley, and then baked.
A popular fast food dish in Turkey, lahmacun is often served an ayran yoghurt drink and used as a wrap including vegetables, including pickles, tomatoes, peppers, onions, lettuce, and roasted aubergine.
The dish is also popular in Armenia, Syria and in Turkish/Armenian communities worldwide. It has existed for thousands of years but has become much more popular over the last few decades, sometimes known as Turkish or Armenian pizza.
