South London Restaurant Offers £5 Meals to Combat Cost of Living Crisis
A South London restaurant owner is challenging the notion that dining out is a luxury reserved for the affluent,offering substantial meals for as little as £4.99 to families struggling with the rising cost of living.
Ali Alsahlane, owner of Shawarma Hut in Walworth, has seen his business transform thanks to a program designed for individuals receiving universal credit and those on low incomes, now accounting for 99% of his restaurantS business.
Alsahlane opened Shawarma Hut in 2020, initially aiming to provide authentic Lebanese food at affordable prices.However, the economic pressures of the past few years prompted a shift in focus. “This pushes families with limited income or on universal credit home,” Alsahlane explained.”it makes me sad that parents can’t take their children out any more in London.”
Government data reflects this growing financial strain. Universal credit claims in Southwark rose by over 2,000 between January and August of this year, climbing from 36,191 to 39,011 households. This mirrors a national trend, with a 1.1 million increase in universal credit claimants across the UK in the past year.
the restaurant’s success with its community meal deals has been remarkable. Alsahlane reports customers are now traveling significant distances – from Croydon, Hackney, Essex, and even as far as Heathrow – to take advantage of the offer. Despite potential travel expenses, Alsahlane believes the value proposition remains compelling for many families.
Shawarma Hut currently offers two options: a £4.99 lunch deal, available until 5pm, featuring a large chicken shawarma wrap, chips, salad, and a soft drink.The evening deal, served until 11pm, costs £5.99 and includes a quarter boneless grilled chicken with shawarma, salad, peri fries or rice, sauces, and full table service.
“There’s nothing cheaper than that of this quality with really big portions,” alsahlane asserted. A price comparison conducted by Hyphen on Walworth Road confirmed that Shawarma Hut’s offerings are unmatched in value for sit-down, table-service restaurants in the area.
Crucially, alsahlane emphasizes that these prices are not temporary promotions. “This is done for the people. Its not for the rich – we don’t want them here. We want people who’ve lost the ability to go out to a restaurant. We want them to eat better than the rich.”
While acknowledging the tight profit margins, Alsahlane views the initiative as a moral imperative. “If I can eat, have a roof over my head, transport and be healthy, that’s enough for me,” he said. “It’s a gift from God that I’m able to help the community.”
The initiative has garnered praise from local officials. Councillor John Batteson, Southwark Council’s business chief, stated, “Offering affordable meals and creating opportunities for residents to enjoy dining out at a lower cost are excellent examples of the community partnership we value in Southwark.”
Alsahlane’s approach stands in stark contrast to the struggles faced by many restaurants across London,grappling with increasing costs for rent,supplies,wages,and energy. The recent closure of 68 Pizza Hut restaurants in October serves as a sobering example of these challenges.
The government is also taking steps to address food poverty, announcing plans to open two state-subsidised restaurants in Dundee and Nottingham by summer 2026, aiming to provide “universal access to nutritious and sustainably produced foods.”
Beyond providing affordable meals,Alsahlane hopes to challenge negative perceptions surrounding those on low incomes. “You see people online,they say if you have no money or you have limited income,just stay at home and cook,or don’t eat much,” he said. “I’m against those people. I fully disagree. People should be able to go out to a restaurant.”
