A popular LEON fast food outlet in Camden, London, stands shuttered due to a severe mice infestation posing risks to public health.
Emergency Closure Notice
The chain, operating more than 70 locations across the UK, displays a notice on the Kings Cross store door stating: “We’re closed whilst we make some improvements. We’ll be back opening soon.”
Consumer journalist Harry Wallop highlighted the issue on X, formerly Twitter, posting: “Leon, Kings Cross is closed so it can ‘make some improvements’. Errr is that to ‘Because there is an active widespread mice infestation’ by any chance?”
He shared an image of a Food Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice from the London Borough of Camden, issued under Regulation 8 of the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2014. The notice details “an active widespread uncontrolled mice infestation and mice activity throughout the premises including next to food equipment,” creating “an imminent risk to public health.”
Company Response
John Vincent, who recently reacquired LEON, emphasized: “Cleanliness of our restaurants is our number one priority. We are taking this seriously and working with our franchise partner AVOLTA and with Network Rail so we can fix the issue and re-open.”
He added: “The safety and cleanliness of our restaurants and the wellness and trust of our guests will always be our absolute priority.”
Wallop responded: “The ‘wellness of our guests’… I think mouse droppings near the food isn’t akin to overstretching in yoga.”
LEON Background
Vincent co-founded LEON in 2004 alongside Henry Dimbleby, now a government food advisor, and chef Allegra McEvedy. He repurchased the business in October after selling it four years earlier to the Issa brothers’ EG Group in a £100 million deal.
