The Licensing Sub-Committee (3) of Westminster Council met on Thursday 23 April 2026 to consider three licensing applications. The committee granted a variation to the premises licence for The Lexington, approved a new premises licence for Wetherspoons on Shaftesbury Avenue, and granted a new premises licence for Kozzee on Wardour Street.

The Lexington, 34 Lexington Street, London

The committee considered an application to vary the premises licence for The Lexington, located at 34 Lexington Street, London. The proposed variations included increasing terminal hours, introducing late-night refreshment, altering conditions, and changing the layout of the ground and basement floors.

The applicant, Lexington Street Limited, represented by Marcus Lavelle of Keystone Law, explained that the changes were intended to allow a disused site to become a sustainable, ongoing concern. The application proposed a modest extension of 30 minutes to one hour to existing hours and a shift to a privately accessible members' club, moving away from the current publicly accessible model. The applicant highlighted extensive engagement with the Soho Society and council officers, which led to the withdrawal of initial objections from the Metropolitan Police, Licensing Authority, and the Soho Society.

Concerns were raised by Councillor Scarborough regarding the potential impact on the West End Cumulative Impact Area¹. The applicant argued that the move to a private members' club model, with detailed member information and control, would actually reduce the impact on cumulative issues compared to a public venue. They also noted the premises' design, with limited opening windows and a single skylight, would minimise noise escape.

The committee granted the variation to the premises licence for The Lexington.

Wetherspoons, Unit 30A, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7DH

The committee also considered an application for a new premises licence for Wetherspoons at Unit 30A Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7DH. J.D. Wetherspoon's PLC applied for the retail sale of alcohol and late-night refreshment from 8am to midnight, Monday to Sunday.

Representations were initially received from Environmental Health and the Licensing Authority, but these were withdrawn following an agreement on conditions. A representation was also received from one other interested party, who did not attend the hearing.

The applicant's representative, Philip Colvin Casey, highlighted that the proposed hours and operation represented a significant reduction from the previous licence held by Coyote Ugly, which allowed activities until 3am. The new application proposed a midnight terminal hour, no regulated entertainment, and a focus on food alongside alcohol sales. The applicant emphasised their experience in operating nearly 800 establishments, including several within Westminster and the West End Cumulative Impact Area, and their commitment to good relations with authorities and neighbours.

The committee granted the new premises licence for Wetherspoons.

Kozzee, 193 Wardour Street, London, W1F 8ZF

Finally, the committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Kozzee, located at 193 Wardour Street, London, W1F 8ZF. The applicant, Sai Tt Ltd, sought to operate as a modern café-restaurant and speciality coffee business, expanding into the basement and updating operational hours and conditions.

Representations were received from the Metropolitan Police and the Licensing Authority, but these were withdrawn following an agreement on conditions. The Soho Society initially objected, raising concerns about the removal of a condition that alcohol must be ancillary to a substantial table meal, arguing this would transform the venue into a bar. They also highlighted the premises' location within the West End Cumulative Impact Zone and presented data on noise levels and crime in the area.

The applicant's representative argued that the premises would remain food-led, with conditions ensuring customers remain seated and alcohol is served by waiter service. They also noted that the proposed hours were largely consistent with existing operations and that the application was not for a new licence but a variation to an existing one.

The committee granted the new premises licence for Kozzee.