A Reddit thread with a screenshot of a post from food writer and longstanding Highbury resident Nigel Slater references a Gail's opening on the former site of Saltine restaurant in Highbury Barn. Meanwhile a Change.org petition "protect Highbury Barn from corporate gentrification" has been launched, gathering more than 160 signatures. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)The petition reads: "Living in Highbury Barn and Islington for 30 years I've witnessed first hand the vibrant community spirit that has defined our neighbourhood for generations. "Families who have laid their roots here rely on the charm and character of our local independent shops and services. This isn't merely about another retail opening; it's about a shift towards homogenization that imperils the local businesses that make Highbury Barn unique."