Herne Hill Bike Shop Battling Persistent Sewage Stench

Since June 2026, the Bicycle Nation shop in Herne Hill, south London, has been plagued by a foul odour that staff describe as “cabbage,” “teargas,” and “rotten eggs.” The smell rises at least five times daily, forcing mechanics to work on the pavement and prompting the owner, Tamas Polocz, to bar customers on several occasions. Polocz’s team of 11 has reported repeated vomiting and mental-health strain among employees.

The Guardian

Thames Water initially suggested a gas leak, but tests by the local gas supplier ruled that out. A Thames Water engineer told Polocz the likely trigger is the summer’s lack of rain, which allows untreated sewage to accumulate in pipes. The engineer also noted that a cast-iron ventilation pipe, previously used to vent odours, has not been replaced. Experts explain that, in dry periods, microbial activity in stagnant sewage generates foul-smelling gases, a process analogous to human flatulence.

The Guardian

The odour has made the shop “unsustainable,” according to board member Harriet Talbot, who set up a collect-and-repair service to retain customers. Staff are frequently evacuated, working half the day inside and half outside. Polocz says the stress makes him feel “62-ish” at age 49 and has led to sick-leave among employees.

The Guardian

A Thames Water spokesperson confirmed that investigations are ongoing.

The Guardian

• “I looked out through the window at home and thought, oh good, but it didn’t make any difference. Even after the rain there was still the smell. Maybe the rain will eventually clear it, but we don’t know. Something is happening down there that is pushing the smell up.” — Evans

The Guardian

• “The first flushes of rain will probably make things smell worse because it just stirs things up. It needs a lot of rain to clear. There might be some blockage there but it’s impossible to know without a proper inspection.” — Harriet Talbot, a board member of Bicycle Nation

The Guardian

• “You can’t run a business relying on the weather.” — Harriet Talbot, a board member of Bicycle Nation

The Guardian

• “I’m 49, but today I feel 62-ish. We have guys calling in sick. It affects you both physically and mentally.” — Tamas Polocz, thames water engineer

The Guardian

• “This underlines the need for a rethink of our sewers. The system was designed for a climate that we just don’t currently have any more.” — The Guardian

The Guardian