Lewisham’s Beloved Turkish Spot Hit With Jaw-Dropping £2.5 Million Fine Over Extractor Fan
Extractor Fan Sparks Explosive Legal Showdown
Meze Mangal, Lewisham’s popular Turkish eatery, is under fire with a whopping £2.5 million Confiscation Order slapped on it under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA). The drama all started after brothers Ahmet and Sahin Gok installed a £50,000 extractor fan without planning permission.
The Gok brothers fitted the extractor following a neighbour’s complaints about cooking smells and kitchen noise. Though they applied for permission, Lewisham Council refused. Still, the brothers kept the fan to keep the peace and shield their restaurant’s hard-earned reputation.
“We believed it was more important to keep the peace with our neighbours,” the brothers said. Meanwhile, the council claims the duo promised back in 2019 to remove the system if their appeal failed — but they never did.
Legal Nightmare: Frozen Bank Accounts and Seized Passports
The case blew up when the brothers missed a sudden court hearing, citing care for their ill father who sadly passed away. In their absence, the court froze their business bank accounts and confiscated their passports.
Now, they’re a mere £500 shy of a £20,000 GoFundMe target to fight the colossal POCA claim — a sum the brothers call “unbelievable” for an extractor fan.
“…many Lewisham councillors, staff, and even the Mayor herself have regularly eaten, drunk, and held events at Meze Mangal… The council that is now trying to destroy it.”
Council Fires Back: ‘Unlawful Works Have Blighted Our Neighbours for Over Seven Years’
A Lewisham Council spokesperson defended the crackdown, stressing the fine’s role in deterring unlawful activity. They said the extractor has been installed illegally for more than seven years, sparking ongoing complaints about smoke, odour, and noise.
“Most planning enforcement cases are settled informally, but prosecutions are necessary when rules are blatantly ignored,” the spokesperson added, dismissing claims the council is chasing money. They insisted the court will decide the fine based on the brothers’ financial situation.
Lewisham Council remains hopeful the restaurant owners will collaborate to reach a deal amid the escalating conflict.
