Endless Meets - Ali's

I've embarked upon a new project recently, 'Endless Meets' being the working title. Basically I'm intending to profile peoples small businesses. I'm interested in exploring the personal touch. How the character of the owner dictates the character and overall aesthetic of the workplace.

These shots were taken at Ali's, 232 Kingsland Rd. His claim to fame is that the first ever kebab to be served in east London was done so by his parents from the very same premises in 1969. Ali took over the business in 1974 and has ran it ever since. There used to be a private club downstairs were shady characters like the Krey brothers could convene and be undisturbed. He tells me that he once had to threaten one of them with a meat cleaver, and I believe him. When I took these shots he told me a more recent tale about visiting a Tudor Re-Creation estate in Kent, were he had been to visit that day with his daughter.

He also makes the best home-made lamb burger in town, stays open till 5am and sells beers and spirits.

Pretty much the best shop in the world.