The Licensing Sub Committee C met to discuss an application for a new licence for Humdingers of Highbury, 88 Highbury Park, N5 2XE. The application was granted with conditions. The sub-committee also confirmed the minutes of their meeting on 9 January 2024.

Humdingers of Highbury

The application from Humdingers of Highbury at 88 Highbury Park, N5 2XE was for a new premises licence to allow the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises from 8am to 11pm Monday to Saturday, and 8am to 10pm on Sunday. The application also requested permission for live music, recorded music and the performance of plays from 8am to 11pm Monday to Saturday, and 8am to 10pm on Sunday, and for the premises to be open to the public during the same hours.

The applicant, Mr. Robert Hunningher BEM¹, stated that the business would operate as a bakery and cafe during the day, and transition into a pop-up restaurant in the evening. He described his menu as brunch based during the day, and offering meat or fish with vegetables in the evening.

The sub-committee heard that Mr Hunningher already operates two restaurants in the London Borough of Hackney that have traded without incident for a number of years.

The sub-committee also heard that the application had been the subject of four objections from local residents. The objections related to the potential for noise and nuisance from the premises late at night, with one resident stating that their bedroom was located opposite the premises. The resident also raised concerns about the potential for crime and disorder as a result of the sale of alcohol at the premises.

Mr Hunningher responded to the concerns of residents by stating that he would ensure that music at the venue would not be intrusive, and said that he had been approached to host events such as art exhibitions and poetry readings. He also agreed to an amendment of the application to bring the closing time on Sunday to 10pm. In writing to residents, Mr. Hunningher said

Our proposed serving hours for alcohol are from 8am to 11pm, aligning with the typical hours for dining. This means that we will not be engaging in vertical drinking or encouraging excessive consumption. However, this does not mean that we will be open till 11pm daily.

The sub-committee granted the application as applied for, subject to a number of conditions, including the standard conditions outlined on pages 44 to 46 of the agenda.

In their decision, the sub-committee noted that they had taken into consideration the council’s Licensing Policy, and that they were satisfied that the applicant would uphold the four licensing objectives².