Threat to health food pioneer - Ian Ogilvie's Bumble Bee outlets may have to close down

Published: 2 March, 2011

NEARLY 600 people have signed a petition in a bid to save a pioneering health food business.

Ian Ogilvie fears he may have to close down his three Bumble Bee outlets in Brecknock Road on the border of Camden and Islington, selling organic vegetarian foods.

Mr Ogilvie (pictured) started the business in 1980 – in the early years of Britain’s health food boom – and now employs 15 people. But Islington Council’s planning committee will meet tonight (Thursday) to consider his landlord’s plans to convert the back of the shop – including the takeaway kitchen – into flats.

“It changes the whole business proposition,” said Mr Ogilvie. “I would have to look into the possibility of closing down or moving.”

Among those supporting his cause is customer Jennifer Brown, of nearby Camden Mews. She said: “Bumble Bee is the best health food store I know.”