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The owner of a novelty gift shop in north London says he has been accused of racism for selling British-themed wares.

Shopkeeper Chris Ostwald, 54, said his ‘Really British’ store on Muswell Hill Broadway has provoked a barrage of complaints from well-heeled locals since it opened on November 26.

He said some angry residents had threatened to stage boycotts and organise protests over his goods, which include nick-nacks painted with Union Jacks, Kinks memorabilia, and socks favoured by Prince Charles.

Mr Ostwald today said it was “mad” that he was facing such criticism and said the shop is a “British-themed shop celebrating British products”.

He also accused critics of “reverse racism”, arguing complaints had been lodged from foreign customers who he said loved the shop.

He told the Standard: “I thought I’d get a bit of a reaction but nothing like what I have seen.

“Yesterday I had three strong complaints which included people telling us they would boycott us and placard us.

“People in Muswell Hill are a bit liberal and they are taking it far too seriously. There is nothing political about this.

“I was asked when I opened if it was a “Ukip shop” or a “Brexit shop” but we are just a British-themed shop celebrating products made here.

“We’ve had Greek shoppers and Pakistanis in and they love it. They seem to be more proud of Britain than we are.

“They are the ones that think it’s a great idea the only complaints I’ve had are from British people. It’s almost the reverse of racism.

Opponents said the shop went against London’s “international nature” and implied other businesses “weren’t British” amid the flood of complaints.

One man wrote on Facebook: “Chris, while I applaud you setting up a business in Muswell Hill and employing local people I’m curious as to why you decided to call your shop ‘Really British’ (besides the obvious point that you will sell British made goods)?

“Like many people I live in London because of its international nature, and for me personally having a big sign on the Broadway saying ‘Really British’ makes me feel you’re implying that other local businesses in the area are therefore somehow ‘not really British’.

But Mr Ostwald said he had no plans to make any changes and argued the furore over Brexit had led to anger at his gift shop.

He added: “It’s about products not politics. I’m not particularly interested in politics but this stuff with Brexit has gone too far we should just get on with it.

“It’s like people want to hide away our identity. For me it would be like banning pizzas in Italy.”