The Licensing and Appeals Hearings Sub Committee of Wokingham Council met on Wednesday 17 June 2026 and granted a new premises licence for Old Blades (Garden) in Remenham Lane. The decision followed consideration of an application by Daniel Gardner on behalf of Field Vision Bars Ltd.

Application for a New Premises Licence at Old Blades (Garden)

The committee granted the application for a new premises licence for Old Blades (Garden), located at Remenham Lane, Remenham, Henley on Thames RG9 3DB. The licence permits regulated entertainment, the sale of alcohol, and the provision of late-night refreshment during the dates of the Henley Royal Regatta. The applicant, Daniel Gardner, sought to increase the licensed capacity from 500 to 1000 attendees.

The application was met with objections from several interested parties, including Remenham Parish Council, Remenham Farm, Ron Emerson (representing the Remenham Farm Residents' Association), David Law, and Michael Dudley, all residents of Remenham Lane. Key concerns raised included:

• Increased Capacity: Objectors argued that doubling the capacity from 500 to 1000 would exacerbate existing congestion and safety issues, particularly on the narrow, unfenced towpath adjacent to the River Thames. Michael Dudley stated, All attendees must access and egress from the narrow public footpath between the garden and the river. This is immediately adjacent to the River Thames, has a poor surface is narrow and unfenced and it's a Public Nuisance when attendees spill over onto the public footpath creating difficulties for other walkers. ¹
• Extended Licensing Hours: Concerns were raised about extending alcohol sales until midnight, with objectors suggesting that 11 pm was more consistent with other riverside licences during the Henley Royal Regatta and would be less likely to cause nuisance. David Law noted, the extension in the licensing hours from 11.00 to 11.30 seems unnecessary and will give rise to Public Safety and Public Nuisance issues. ²
• Public Safety: The lack of public transport and narrow, unlit access routes, including a steep path to Remenham Lane, were highlighted as significant public safety risks, especially for inebriated individuals leaving the premises. Michael Dudley expressed concern that attendees walking along the unlit footpath were at risk of falling into the River Thames.
• Public Nuisance: Issues such as amplified music being very loud and possibly unmonitored in the past were raised, along with the potential for increased noise and disturbance to residents.
• Site Plan Discrepancy: Remenham Farm objected to a proposed 15m x 15m store shown on the site plan, stating it had not been discussed or agreed with them and the area was not available.

The applicant, Daniel Gardner, outlined proposed measures to promote the four licensing objectives, including capacity control, SIA-registered security, a limit of four drinks per transaction, working with lifeguards, implementing an egress plan, operating a Challenge 25 policy, and prohibiting under-18s from entering the area.

The committee, having considered the application, the representations received, and the relevant licensing objectives, decided to grant the licence as applied for.