The Licensing Sub Committee D of Lewisham Council met on Tuesday, 21 April 2026, to consider an application to vary a premises licence for Good Food at 26B Sydenham Road, SE26. The committee granted the application with agreed conditions.

Variation of Premises Licence for Good Food, 26B Sydenham Road, SE26

The committee considered a full variation application made by Craft 26 Limited for the premises known as Good Food, located at 26B Sydenham Road, SE26 5QW. The application sought to change the premises name to Craft Metropolis, alter the layout, and extend the licensable hours for the sale of alcohol both on and off the premises. The proposed new hours were for off-sales to be extended to 23:00 Monday to Sunday, and on-sales to be from 09:00 to 23:00 Monday to Sunday.

The current licence permitted on-premises alcohol sales only for occasional wine-tasting events on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, with off-sales operating at different, more limited hours throughout the week.

During the consultation period, ten representations were received: nine from local residents and one from a local Councillor. Three representations supported the application, while seven objected on the grounds of preventing public nuisance and crime and disorder.

Oliver Meade, the applicant and owner of Craft 26 Limited, presented the case for the variation. He highlighted his company's proven track record with similar venues in Penge and Brixton, emphasising a community-focused approach and a clientele that he described as not being prone to anti-social behaviour. Mr. Meade stated that his venues are more akin to a beer cafe or shop, with a significant portion of their business being retail. He addressed concerns about noise and smoking by proposing a designated smoking area at the rear of the premises, which he believed would help regulate smoking and prevent customers from congregating on the street. He also stressed his willingness to work with local residents to ensure a positive atmosphere.

Councillor Sian Eiles, Chair of the subcommittee, along with Councillor Rachel Onikosi and Councillor Chris Barnham, heard the representations. Questions from the committee focused on the management of the proposed smoking area and ensuring customers adhered to its designated use. Mr. Meade explained that signage would be used, and staff would be trained to direct customers to the rear smoking area. A condition was agreed that patrons would not be permitted to leave and re-enter the premises to smoke at the front.

The committee also clarified the proposed changes to the licensable hours, confirming that the application aimed to standardise and extend the hours for both on and off-sales across the entire week.

After hearing from the applicant and considering the representations, the committee deliberated and decided to grant the application. The decision was made subject to conditions that were agreed upon, including those proposed by the licensing authority and the applicant. These conditions included the provision of a smoking area to the rear, with limitations after 21:00, and a condition that patrons would be directed to this area and not permitted to smoke at the front of the premises. The applicant also agreed to conditions regarding staff training, litter management, and the sale of alcohol in sealed containers for off-sales. Existing conditions from the premises licence, such as CCTV operation, an incident log, and a Challenge 25 policy, were also to remain in place.

The decision notice outlining the full details of the granted licence and its conditions will be sent to the applicant within five working days.