Fire breaks out in London restaurant leaving plumes of smoke in the air

The blaze is only around the corner from a luxury hotel.

A fire has erupted in a ground-floor central London restaurant below an office block.

Social media footage shows thick plumes of smoke rising above the heart of the City, London’s financial district.

Fire officials have not specified the exact location of the fire other than it erupted along Lothbury, a street less than 500 feet from Bank tube station and the five-star hotel, The Ned London.

Dozens of people have been evacuated from the Moorgate area, with video showing dozens crowding around the Bank of England.

People are advised to avoid the area, while motorists are warned to expect traffic.

As of 4.44pm, fire crews are ‘still in attendance’, with the cause of the inferno unclear.

The fire brigade said in a statement to Metro.co.uk: ‘Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters are responding to a fire at a restaurant with offices above on Lothbury in City of London.

‘The kitchen was partially alight.

‘The Brigade’s 999 Control Officers have taken over 10 calls to the fire.

‘The Brigade was first called at 1547. Crews from Shoreditch, Dockhead, Shadwell and surrounding fire stations are in attendance at the scene.’

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