Grasmere Debates Opening Its First Kebab Shop Amid Tourist Appeal

Shwan Khder aims to open Grasmere's first kebab shop, sparking debate among residents and tourists over its impact on the village's heritage and environment.

Determined to Open a Kebab Shop in Grasmere

Shwan Khder is intent on establishing a kebab takeaway in the picturesque Lake District village of Grasmere, a location famously associated with the poet William Wordsworth and a popular destination for tourists. Traditionally, visitors have enjoyed pub meals or afternoon teas, but Khder's proposal for a kebab shop has sparked division within the community.

Khder submitted his plans for the takeaway in May, emphasizing the need for more diverse food options in the village. However, the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) rejected the application, citing concerns raised by residents and officials. Despite this setback, Khder remains optimistic about the venture's future.

"Grasmere is a beautiful place but it doesn't have a takeaway," he said. "I was a bit disappointed, but I respect the planning authority."

Grasmere is renowned for its scenic backdrop of fells and mountains and its historical significance as the home of the Romantic poet William Wordsworth. Wordsworth moved to the village in 1799 to live with his sister Dorothy in a cottage on the village's edge. This cottage, now a museum called Dove Cottage, was described by Wordsworth as "the loveliest spot that man hath ever found." He is buried in St Oswald's churchyard, which attracts visitors paying their respects.

Grasmere is located within the heart of the Lake District National Park.

The village of Grasmere as seen from across the lake. Mist hangs over the trees and fells rise in the background. — Image caption, Grasmere is in the heart of the Lake District national park

Business Experience and Planning Authority Concerns

Khder has nearly two decades of experience operating similar businesses in Kendal and Kirkby Stephen, both situated outside the national park and over 15 miles from Grasmere. The LDNPA's rejection of the kebab shop proposal was influenced by concerns regarding potential litter, odors, and the shop's proximity to the local primary school.

Khder has already invested approximately £10,000 in upgrading the property to meet standards, including the installation of an extractor fan, and plans to invest a further £15,000 to refurbish the interior.

"It's definitely needed because like other places, [Grasmere] needs more options for [food]," he said. "Even Wordsworth would have tried one of his kebabs. I respect Wordsworth's legacy. Of course he would."

Local Residents Express Concerns

John Lowther, a resident near the proposed takeaway location and owner of Barney's Newsbox puzzle shop at the opposite end of the village, highlighted potential parking issues.

"You can't park on the main road," he said. "And if [people] can't park, they're going to block the lane."

Lowther also questioned the suitability of the kebab shop within the village's aesthetic.

"It's not in keeping with a village like Grasmere," he said. "Kebab shops are fine in towns and cities [but] we wouldn't want fish and chips either because of the litter. It takes the charm away from the place."

He added that the thousands of tourists who visit Grasmere to see Wordsworth's home would likely disapprove of the plans.

"I'm sure they would hate it," Lowther said.

John Lowther standing on from of lots of jigsaw puzzles, many showing countryside paintings with mountains and trees in them. He has grey hair and is wearing a blue and white checked shirt. — Image caption, Puzzle shop owner John Lowther says parking could be an issue

Mixed Feelings Among Villagers

Jone Benevente, who works at a nearby pharmacy, reported that villagers have varied opinions on the kebab shop proposal.

"A lot of people say they would have appreciated it because there aren't really many things like that in the village or [they] can't afford the prices here," she said.

However, she emphasized that maintaining the village's appearance for tourists and preventing additional litter are priorities.

"It would change the ambience in the village," she said. "I would more be in favour of not having it, personally."

Jone Benevente has long brown hair. She is wearing large earrings and smiling. She is wearing a pink shirt and has a name badge on. In the background there are shelves with makeup and other pharmacy items. — Image caption, Jone Benevente said she had spoken to lots of people in the village who have mixed feelings about the plans

Support for Change from Local Business Owner

Tim Hardy, owner of the Fitzwilliam Gallery near the proposed kebab shop site, expressed openness to the idea.

"I'm generally in favour of free enterprise and free choice and I think if people welcome change, we're more likely to be able to mould that into our way of thinking," he said.

Hardy also dismissed concerns about odors and rubbish.

"I've seen them fitting the shop out to a very high standard, so I don't have any problems with that," he said.

Several other local workers indicated support for the kebab shop but preferred to remain anonymous due to concerns about community divisions.

Tim Hardy has short brown hair. He is wearing a checked shirt. Behind him to the left there is a framed painting on an easel. It shows a rabbit or hare in a field with green flowers. There are other paintings in the background. — Image caption, Tim Hardy believes people should be open to change

Visitor Perspectives on the Proposed Kebab Shop

Visitors to Grasmere have also shared their views on the potential new takeaway. Karen Wheatley, from Redcar, suggested the kebab shop could be popular among tourists.

"Visitors might quite like it as a night-time option if they're camping," she said. "It depends if it's going to be quaint and not overdone - no bright lights."

Phil and Glenda Grey, visiting from Wollongong, Australia, expressed that the kebab shop's appeal would depend on several factors.

Phil said he might consider visiting depending on the time of day, while Glenda noted the importance of the shop's location relative to pubs.