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Nobu tuna protest
Aidan Brown used cycle lock to bar diners from entering the West End venue

Nobu caught out by tuna protester with bike lock

Robert Mendick, Chief Reporter
05.08.09

It's bad enough that celebrities are boycotting your restaurant for serving endangered tuna, so imagine the horror when an environmental activist turns up and locks out any remaining customers.

Nobu fell victim to such a protest last night when Aidan Brown, an eco-activist from north London, dressed up as a fisherman and used a bicycle *-lock to chain together the entrance doors to the Michelin-starred restaurant in Park Lane, preventing diners getting in.

He then stuck up a sign that read "Gone Fishin' for Blue Fin Tuna" by way of explanation. Some puzzled restaurant-goers are reported to have actually believed the head chef had disappeared for the night for a spot of deep-sea angling and decided to dine elsewhere. Mr Brown is then said to have even redirected diners to Zuma in Knightsbridge, waving down taxis for their convenience.

The saga lasted for over an hour until the lock was finally removed.

The Nobu chain - co-owned by Robert De Niro and a favoured haunt of actors, pop stars and models - has been threatened with a boycott for serving Atlantic bluefin tuna, one of the world's most vulnerable fish.

Campaigners say the species could be wiped out within three years. Celebrities such as Elle Macpherson, Stephen Fry and Sienna Miller have signed a letter demanding bluefin be taken off the menu.

The restaurant responded by adding this warning to its menu: "Blue fin tuna is an environmentally threatened species. Please ask your server for an alternative."

The Met said they received a call from Nobu last night but the restaurant had called back to say they had removed the lock and officers did not attend.

Reader views (9)

 Add your view

I like his hat

And Zuma is a very tasty alternative. Nice he helped customers out too!

- S, London

Good work that man. Fishing a species to near extinction is something that shouldn't happen in this day and age. Eat yellowfin, it's just as tasty'

- Nathan Barley, London

Top marks to that young man! It's characters like him that keep this country as the vibrant home of political debate that it is!

- Robin Renshaw, London

Brilliant! Love a bit of direct action

- Marmite Lover, london

Good lad Aidan!

- Mike, London

Mr Staker - the right to protest and freedom of speech are fundamental to this country.
If only there were more people like Aidan highlighting the extremely serious issue of a species facing extinction precisely due to self centred attitudes like yours they may have a chance.

- Matthew Harvey, London

Lovely story. Made me giggle. Good for him!!

- Essie, London

He should have been dragged away by the scruff of his neck, thrown in a cell, charged the next day, and then faced court.

Yet another protedter spoiling other peoples private time out.

- P Staker, London

The saga lasted for over an hour until the lock was finally removed.

So how safe is my bike? Can we have the name of the lock?

- Paul, Rochester UK


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