Semsettin Akyuz opened Merro Cafe in Crouch End Hill, in April 2022, when independent companies received business rate relief and some landlords paused rents.
The café, open seven days a week, sits above a former railway line connecting Finsbury Park with Alexandra Palace.
But this April, on the business’s third anniversary, the father-of-four was hit with an unexpected double whammy of business rate and rent increases, leaving him “struggling to survive”.
Merro also makes cakes for special occasions as well as offering sandwiches, salads, quiches and pastries (Image: Nathalie Raffray)
Semsettin said he tried to launch a grocery in premises next door but was unable to, so he only had income from one store.
Business rate discounts of 75% on both businesses decreased to 40%, translating to a rise in the amount he pays from £500 a month to £1,300.
“I’m trying,” Semsettin said. “I’m trying to get some more discount but if I don’t get it I can’t survive, I’m not a chain.”
He said he buys his fruit and vegetables from nearby traders – so £68 of every £100 he makes goes back to the community.
But like many business owners, he is also contending with rising prices for produce.
He only employs one member of staff. His brother, currently away, also helps out.
The rail route below the cafe is now a park trail and nature reserve, and customers can climb up up a ramp at Crescent Road gate – or up steps leading directly to Merro.
A keen historian who has looked into the origins of his premises, Semsettin said it was a “greasy spoon” before he took it over, and there has been a café on the site since 1904 – a tradition he is proud of.
“It is great. It’s one of the oldest cafes in Crouch End that still exists,” he added.
Inside, Semsettin has kept some of the original beams and the brickwork shows where old windows were.
As well as speciality teas and coffees, he sells savoury sandwiches, quiches, home made cakes, and also make cakes for birthdays and anniversaries, as well as vegan and gluten free produce.
The fruit and vegetables in its cold-pressed juices come from a grocer down the road.
There are also biscuit treats for customers with dogs.
Regular Kaan Cakmakci, a barista at Gail’s Bakery, said he comes in every day and appreciates the ambience.
He said: “I feel like I’m coming in and sitting in my living room having a drink.
The 29-year-old added: “Its position is nice next to the Parkland Walk. The food is good, especially the flapjacks, my wife loves those.”
