04/07/2025
URGENT
WE NEED YOUR HELP TO SAVE LEILA'S - Leila's Shop
This October, Leila’s Shop faces eviction by Tower Hamlets Council, which wants to triple the rent, threatening this vital pillar of the community.
23 years ago, Leila McAlister took over a derelict grocer’s shop on Calvert Avenue that had been empty for over ten years. At the time, nearby Arnold Circus was overgrown and neglected, avoided for its violence.
She opened Leila’s Shop with sustainable values that continue to this day: zero-waste operations; direct trade with small regenerative farms; fresh, wholesome food with unprocessed ingredients, avoiding single-use packaging; encouraging loyal customers to make enlightened choices about the food they eat.
Since then, Leila has provided training and employment for scores of young people, offering a springboard to entering the workforce. In 2004, Leila co-founded the Friends of Arnold Circus, leading its regeneration to become one of east London’s most beloved garden spaces. From 2006-2016, Leila was governor of
neighbouring Virginia Primary School,
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This October, Leila’s Shop faces eviction by Tower Hamlets Council, which wants to triple the rent, threatening this vital pillar of the community. 23 years ago, Leila McAlister took over a derelict grocer’s shop on Calvert Avenue that had been empty for over ten years. At the time, nearby Arnol...