On June 5, 2025, Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was reportedly asked to leave a high-end London steakhouse, Hawksmoor Air Street, during a lunch with friends. The incident, which unfolded after the group had finished their starters, has ignited discussions about the treatment of controversial public figures in private establishments.
A friend of Robinson, Guramit Singh Kalirai, a former prominent member of the English Defence League (EDL), shared a video on X capturing the moment. In the footage, the group is seen engaging with a restaurant manager who calmly explains that some staff members felt uneasy serving them. The manager’s reasoning centered on the restaurant’s duty of care toward its employees.
Kalirai, visibly frustrated, questioned whether the decision was racially motivated, asking, “Is it because of the colour of my skin?” The manager swiftly denied this, emphasizing that the decision was solely about ensuring staff comfort. The interaction remained civil but tense, with the manager maintaining professionalism throughout.
The restaurant offered to cover the group’s first round of drinks as a gesture of goodwill and provided a business card with the CEO’s contact information for further inquiries. The manager apologized for any inconvenience, stating, “I hope it hasn’t inconvenienced you.” However, the group was still asked to leave the premises.
Kalirai, addressing the camera, expressed disbelief: “Have you seen that? We’ve just been kicked out of the steakhouse. Been sat here for a f***ing hour. We are sat here with the celebrities.” His remarks highlighted the group’s shock and perceived unfairness of the situation.
The incident has drawn attention due to Robinson’s polarizing persona. As a far-right activist, he has long been a controversial figure in the UK, often associated with divisive rhetoric and public protests. His presence in public spaces frequently sparks debate, and this event is no exception.
Hawksmoor, known for its upscale dining experience, has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. The restaurant, located in the heart of London, prides itself on quality service and a welcoming atmosphere, making this episode particularly noteworthy.
The timing of the ejection is significant, as it occurred hours after Robinson appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 5, 2025. He was bailed after pleading not guilty to two counts of harassment causing fear of violence, stemming from alleged online harassment of MailOnline journalists Andrew Young and Jacob Dirnhuber between August 5 and 7, 2024.
The court case adds another layer of scrutiny to Robinson’s public activities. He is scheduled to appear at Southwark Crown Court on July 3, 2025, for a plea and trial preparation hearing. The legal proceedings have kept him in the spotlight, amplifying the attention on incidents like the Hawksmoor ejection.
Social media reactions to the video have been mixed. Some users criticized the restaurant, arguing that refusing service based on personal discomfort sets a dangerous precedent. Others supported Hawksmoor’s decision, citing the right of businesses to prioritize staff well-being and maintain a safe working environment.
This incident raises broader questions about the balance between private businesses’ rights to refuse service and the fair treatment of individuals, particularly those with controversial public profiles. UK law allows businesses to refuse service unless it violates protected characteristics like race or religion, which was explicitly ruled out in this case.
The Hawksmoor incident is not an isolated event in Robinson’s history of public confrontations. His activism, often centered on immigration and nationalism, has led to numerous legal and social clashes, further polarizing opinions about his presence in public spaces.
Meanwhile, unrelated news stories dominated headlines on the same day, including a tragic plane crash in India and Iran’s escalating missile attacks on Israel. These global events provide context for the heightened public sensitivity around controversial figures like Robinson during turbulent times.
As the story continues to unfold, it underscores the challenges of navigating free speech, public personas, and private business rights in an increasingly polarized society. The debate over whether Robinson’s ejection was justified is likely to persist, reflecting deeper societal divides.