The decision to evict a community-favourite food stall from Tooting Market has been overturned after talks between the owner, landlord and local MP.

Jamaican restaurant, The Lone Fisherman, was given a three-day eviction notice last week after police conducted a drugs raid of the premises.

Though police confirmed that no drugs were found at the stall, The Lone Fisherman was handed an eviction notice with the landlord insisting on a "zero drugs policy". 

But after widespread protest on social media and in the market, and an online petition which gathered over 15,000 signatures, an agreement was reached between restaurant-owner Chris Smith and the landlord.

A statement on the restaurant’s Instagram page yesterday (Sept 13), announced that “constructive dialogue” had been facilitated by Tooting MP Rosena Khan. 

View this post on Instagram

NEW DEVELOPMENT! After constructive dialogue with the Landlord of Tooting Market, again facilitated by MP Rosena Khan. An agreement has been reached with The Lone Fisherman, whereby the eviction notice WILL BE RESCINDED and a new lease offered. The Landlord explained that he acted on Police information; he interpreted the scale of the raid as evidence alone of The Lone Fisherman having involvement in the sale of drugs. Despite nothing being found, during subsequent conversations with the Police they did nothing to dispel this fallacy. As the Landlord operates a zero tolerance policy towards drugs, drastic action was taken and an eviction notice served. On reflection (and given the Police could not provide the confidence needed to support this decision) as well as the obvious outpouring of disbelief in the community, the Landlord realised he made a mistake and had acted hastily. The Landlord intends to issue an apology regarding this misjudgement to all those impacted by this chain of events. The Lone Fisherman would like to thank the Landlord for his honesty when explaining his judgement made at the time. Tooting market is the beating heart of Tooting, it is loved by all. Both parties would like to close this unfortunate chapter. It is time for healing, all corners of the community came forth in support in a clear sign that Tooting is an amazing place to live, let's heal together. @drrosena @tootingmarket

It said: “An agreement has been reached with The Lone Fisherman, whereby the eviction notice WILL BE RESCINDED and a new lease offered.

“The Landlord explained that he acted on Police information; he interpreted the scale of the raid as evidence alone of The Lone Fisherman having involvement in the sale of drugs.

"Tooting market is the beating heart of Tooting, it is loved by all. Both parties would like to close this unfortunate chapter.

"It is time for healing, all corners of the community came forth in support in a clear sign that Tooting is an amazing place to live, let's heal together."

Labour MP, Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, tweeted her support for the conclusion.  

Tooting Market has since issued an apology on social media. 

Another business searched in the raid, Artz Designerwear, is still campaigning to overturn its eviction notice.