Rakkas now re-opened - bigger, bolder, bleurgh

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Michael Anderson on March 11, 2022 at 9:43

Horses for courses I suppose.  Like Tarshish on Whymark Avenue it’s aiming at a more bling crowd who will probably travel to go there.

Permalink Reply by Christopher Fowler on March 11, 2022 at 10:11

I have only seen the outside, but from the decor it looks like a casino/strip-club, and stands out like a sore thumb amongst the other commercial premises on that part of Green Lanes. As has been said already, I am sure it isn't aimed at a lot of us who live on the Ladder, or the other side of Green Lanes.

Permalink Reply by John D on March 11, 2022 at 10:22

Bit of snobbism going on here ?

Permalink Reply by Christopher Fowler on March 11, 2022 at 19:48

I wasn't meaning to be a snob, but I understand that my post read a bit like that. What I was trying to say was that it seemed to be for folk with a bit more money, and a greater love of partying, than those like me who are more inclined to a quiet life.

Permalink Reply by TTTH on March 11, 2022 at 10:37

i think it’s an improvement to what was there, 2 empty shop fronts from an unsuccessful Chippy, a less successful Turkish? restaurant and upper floors which needed attention. Planners can’t do anything about the colour a building is painted or the interior of an unlisted building but if the building as a whole is renovated externally and a business is made more viable, this is positive for the high street, no? And in terms of the “strip club” vibe well maybe this is a historic reference to the massage parlour which used to exist on the corner of lothair road north. Interested to see what the the design and access statement says 

Permalink Reply by AndrewAW1 on March 11, 2022 at 12:04

It reminds me of No. 5 (I think that's what it's called) near Hornsey station.

Bit surprised that a triple fronted place has been permitted, I thought that was generally against policy, but looking at the planning website I suspect that it wasn't actually applied for.

Permalink Reply by Maddy on March 11, 2022 at 22:21

I was thinking the same about the triple shop-front, which I still dont think is allowed. The owner of Rakkas also owned the unsuccessful fish and chip shop, so has just incorporated them together. In addition he was forced to close down last year for violating lockdown rules, so not sure how they've just managed to reopen like that.

Permalink Reply by kotkas on March 11, 2022 at 18:06

It’s a hideous and comical presence on the high street. It’s clearly renovated very cheaply with faux marble tiles, spray on copper features and plastic plants galore. If anyone is on instagram I’d encourage you to check out their opening party which is something to behold and not far from the strip club parallels drawn here - basically some really pathetic version of a cabaret. Clearly this is modelled to appeal to the chavy chic aspiring gangster crowds for whom a trip to Dubai is the height of luxury.

Walking by it a couple of days ago I was amused to see significantly more staff than personnel and 2 bouncers at the front who I guess are there to keep people from leaving LOL. As things go this is going to suffer the fate of Mezzo and other ambitious undertakings premised on overpriced grilled food with zero universal appeal. Let’s also not forget the idiot who used to run illegal gambling in the original Rakkas, and I’m sure is still arms length involved. What a farce.

Permalink Reply by Anonymous Bosch on March 11, 2022 at 19:16

Snob much?

Permalink Reply by Ozbawn on March 12, 2022 at 0:06

It is a very accurate assessment though.

Permalink Reply by Anonymous Bosch on March 12, 2022 at 1:44

Except it's not.

Happy chicken shop to you too!

Permalink Reply by Anonymous Bosch on March 11, 2022 at 19:08

This is all very disappointing from fellow Harringay Oliners with shouts of "cheap" and "strip joint". Whoever is behind this has spent a great deal of time and money to bring something very different to the area. 

While not really the kind of place I'd naturally frequent, why all the hate?

You know what? Some of you really deserve another Turkish restaurant, off licence or chicken shop.