The Licensing Sub-Committee of Kensington and Chelsea Council met on Thursday 23 April 2026 to consider an application for a premises licence for Callooh Callay, located at 316-318 King's Road, London SW3 5UH. The committee heard arguments from the applicant, Rivington Street Hospitality Group Ltd, and from local residents and their associations who had lodged objections. After extensive discussion and consideration of proposed conditions, the committee retired to make a decision, which would be communicated in writing within five working days.

Application for Premises Licence for Callooh Callay

The primary focus of the meeting was an application by Rivington Street Hospitality Group Ltd for a new premises licence for Callooh Callay, a restaurant and bar at 316-318 King's Road. The applicant sought to extend the trading hours from the current 1 am to 3:30 am on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and to 1:30 am on Mondays to Wednesdays. The application also included requests for live and recorded music and the sale of alcohol both on and off the premises.

The applicant, represented by Richard Wynne, highlighted his 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry and his commitment to operating a responsible venue. He argued that the extended hours would primarily serve hospitality workers finishing late shifts and that the venue would continue to be a well-managed establishment, contributing positively to the community. Mr. Wynne also proposed a comprehensive set of conditions to address potential concerns, including a Challenge 25 policy for age verification, SIA-licensed door supervisors, CCTV, and a commitment to regular meetings with local residents.

However, the application was met with significant opposition from local residents and their associations, including the Paultons Square Residents Association, represented by David Kerr and Vanni Vecchini. Their primary concerns revolved around the potential for increased noise, public nuisance, crime, and disorder, particularly given the premises' location in a predominantly residential area. Objectors cited the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy, which generally limits licensable activities to midnight, and argued that the proposed extended hours would exacerbate existing issues of anti-social behaviour, littering, and noise pollution. They also raised concerns about the cumulative impact of multiple late-night venues on King's Road and questioned the effectiveness of some of the applicant's proposed conditions, such as the lock-in policy after 1 am.

Howard Dawber OBE, Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Growth, submitted a letter in support of the application, commending the applicant's track record and commitment to licensing objectives. He noted that the application aligned with the Mayor of London's objectives to revitalise local economies and strengthen the evening and night-time offer.

The committee engaged in detailed discussions with both the applicant and the objectors, exploring various proposed conditions. These included stipulations on new customer admissions after 1 am, no re-admittance after 1 am, management of smoking areas, and the number of patrons permitted to smoke outside. A significant point of negotiation was the proposed closing time, with residents suggesting 1:30 am and the applicant initially proposing 3:30 am. The committee explored a compromise of 2 am, which was met with reservations from the objectors but acknowledged as an improvement on the initial proposal.

The committee also discussed the existing licence conditions, including the requirement for a street warden patrol in Paultons Square. The applicant agreed to a revised condition for the street warden to patrol from closing time rather than a fixed 3 am.

Ultimately, the committee acknowledged the collaborative effort in discussing and refining conditions but reserved their decision on the extended hours, stating that they would retire to make a decision in private and communicate it in writing.