The Aftermath of a Restaurant's Online Sensation

In the vibrant culinary landscape of London, two eateries have been making waves, offering unique dining experiences that cater to a growing demand for halal food. BÔNE, located in east London, and Bake Street, nestled in Hackney, have become hotspots for food enthusiasts, attracting both regular patrons and social media influencers.

Founded by Abdinasir Sharif, working closely with Theo Clench, BÔNE opened its doors in February. The restaurant, which boasts a fixed halal menu and live music, has been fully booked until 2026. Its online posting about its concept led to a surge in bookings, including from influencers. Despite the influx of reservation requests, BÔNE has already had to move locations due to the high demand.

In west London, Normah's, a Malaysian family cafe, has also found success. Founded in 2015 by Normah Abd Hamid and her nephew, Normah's has a two-month waiting list thanks to a feature on TikTok by social media influencer Eating with Tod. Food writer and founder of Vittles, Jonathan Nunn, has not been able to secure a booking at Normah's for the past year.

Bake Street, a small halal cafe in Hackney, also has a semi-permanent queue out of the door. Founded by Feroz and Amirah Gajia in 2015 to address the lack of options and quality in the halal cafe market, Bake Street remains halal and has a majority non-Muslim clientele. The cafe's regular customers are essential for the business to execute creative weekend ideas without worrying about viral trends. Bake Street requires a mix of regulars and travelers to maintain its success.

Amir Idreis opened Lebo Lebanese Grill in 2008 as a local kebab shop. Over the years, it has transformed into a destination restaurant due to social media coverage. The restaurant BÔNE in London was founded by Aj Akokomi, and the unique dining experience it offers for people who follow a halal diet has made it a must-visit spot.

However, Feroz from Bake Street agrees that social media popularity doesn't necessarily lead to longevity and emphasizes the importance of regular customers. Sharif, the founder of BÔNE, was cautious about expanding too quickly to avoid losing service and food quality. These restaurateurs understand the value of a loyal customer base and strive to maintain the quality of their offerings while catering to the growing demand for halal dining options in London.