The protest at Singh’s Dining, previously known as Rangrez, in Hammersmith prompted a significant police presence with officers forming a barrier to prevent the crowd from approaching the premises.Hundreds demand closure of Indian restaurant in London over refusal to serve halal meat (X)Private security personnel were also stationed outside the restaurant. According the report, they were hired by actor John Cleese, best known for Fawlty Towers, who had previously voiced his support for the establishment.Controversy over 'proudly we don't sell halal' messageThe controversy centres on restaurant owner Harman Singh Kapoor, a Sikh, whose establishment displays a handwritten message on its exterior stating: “Proudly we don't sell halal”.ALSO READ: From Bangkok’s Michelin-starred restaurant to Bengaluru: Chef Deepanker Khosla who left India to find Indian food is coming home and changing nothingProtesters call boycott of restaurantKapoor has faced criticism over alleged social media comments concerning Muslims, halal meat and the conflict in Gaza, the report added.
Protesters have called for a boycott of the restaurant, arguing against the owners position. However, Kapoor maintains that he and his family have been subjected to hundreds of death threats, alongside what he described as “harassment, intimidation and threats of violence”.He has also claimed that the campaign against his business has caused significant financial losses.
The restaurateur further alleged that despite repeatedly seeking assistance from the Metropolitan Police, he had not been provided with additional security.Kapoor arrestedThe situation took another turn on Friday when Kapoor was arrested at his residence in West London only hours before the demonstration began. His wife, Khushi. was left to deal with the gathering outside the restaurantKapoor acknowledged his arrest in a social media post.
The reported reason for the arrest is a social media post referencing Islam.ALSO READ: Indian Accent named India''s top standalone restaurant for fourth consecutive yearFollowing his arrest on Friday, the business owner posted a video showing himself with police officers before being taken into a police car.“For days, I have been desperately asking the Metropolitan Police for help, protection and assurances regarding the safety of my family and our business,” he stated.“This protest is not simply about our business selling non-halal food. It is also about the harassment, intimidation and threats of violence that my family and I say we have been experiencing,” he further said, as per the report.Some background on the caseKapoor’s run-ins with protesters gained wider attention in February 2026, when he shared an X post claiming that he had been forced to shut Rangrez - the restaurant he ran for 16 years, due to “ongoing online harassment, repeated disturbances and attacks by Pakistanis and a lack of proper support from the Met Police.”A few days later, he posted a new video showing himself in a heated confrontation with protesters outside his restaurant.
Kapoor said they were protesting against a sign posted outside his restaurant where he declared “We don’t serve halal”.Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs.
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