The request comes after the upmarket pan-Asian sushi house on Abbey Road, suffered two terrifying...

Published: 10:03 pm July 4, 2023
Updated: 7:58 am October 8, 2025
Locals in the fashionable area of St John’s Wood in London are calling for the closure of Monak – UKNIP

The request comes after the upmarket pan-Asian sushi house on Abbey Road, suffered two terrifying attacks. In April, a masked gang armed with machetes stormed the restaurant and set it on fire, while threatening staff with large knives. The attackers then launched Molotov cocktails into the building before fleeing the scene. The incident left diners fleeing in terror.

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Previously, in May of last year, shots were reportedly fired at the restaurant, although no injuries were reported. These incidents have prompted nearly 200 families and businesses in the area to support a petition calling for the revocation of Monak’s license. The police have also applied to Westminster City Council to review the restaurant’s license, citing the two attacks as reasons for concern.

Local councillor Caroline Sargent has expressed support for the residents and businesses affected by the ongoing crime and disorder associated with Monak. The restaurant has faced allegations of being a nuisance and a hotspot for criminal activities. In an email chain, Councillor Sargent stated that the impact has been felt on a daily basis by the community.

The motive behind the attacks remains unclear, but it is believed that a group of customers who arrived at the restaurant without a reservation may be connected to the incidents. The police application highlights the use of Molotov cocktails during the firebombing and reports that one person was taken to the hospital with shrapnel injuries. The London Fire Brigade confirmed that there were no reported injuries, but significant damage was caused to the ground floor of the restaurant.

Monak has temporarily closed for “internal works” according to an announcement made online. The petition and police application seek to address the concerns raised by the community and ensure the safety and well-being of residents and businesses in the area.

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