The Licensing Sub-Committee (2) of Westminster Council met on Thursday 27 August 2026 to consider several licensing applications. The meeting's agenda included the determination of new premises licences and variations to existing licences for various establishments across the city.

The Food District, 145-147 Edgware Road, London, W2 2HR

The committee was scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for The Food District, a food court located at 145-147 Edgware Road¹. The application sought authorisation for late-night refreshment and the supply of alcohol.

Several objections were raised regarding this application. Environmental Health submitted representations concerning potential public nuisance and adverse impacts on public safety due to the requested hours for late-night refreshment extending beyond the council's core hours. The Planning Team also objected, stating that the premises' current use as a food court was considered a sui generis² use without recognised lawful planning permission, and that planning permission would be required before licensable activities could lawfully operate.

Numerous residents also submitted objections, citing concerns about persistent oily cooking odours emanating from the premises, which they claimed seeped into their homes and furnishings. They also raised issues regarding fire safety, potential anti-social behaviour associated with late opening hours, and the cumulative impact of pollution from multiple food businesses in the area. One resident noted that seven fire engines had attended the location due to an issue from the restaurant. Concerns were also raised about the effectiveness of the premises' extraction and ventilation systems, with one resident stating that a referral had been made to the Investigations & Enforcement Unit of the Building Safety Regulator³.

The applicant, The Food District Ltd, responded to these concerns, clarifying that the application was solely for late-night refreshment and not for the supply of alcohol. They stated that their extraction and ventilation system met all legal requirements and had been inspected by Environmental Health and the London Fire Brigade. They also highlighted that the premises did not sell alcohol, thus mitigating many concerns associated with licensed drinking establishments. The applicant expressed willingness to accept reasonable conditions and work collaboratively with the council.

The Heron Public House, Norfolk Corner, London, W2 2DN

The committee was scheduled to consider a variation application for The Heron Public House⁴, located at Norfolk Corner. The application sought to extend the terminal hour for the sale of alcohol in the main bar from 23:00 to 00:00 on Mondays to Saturdays, and from 22:30 to 23:30 on Sundays. The proposed closing time for the premises would also be extended to match these new alcohol sale times. The applicant stated that this change would allow customers to remain on the premises for longer in a controlled environment, rather than moving to other licensed premises in the Edgware Road area, and would bring the alcohol service hours in line with the basement restaurant's licence.

The Metropolitan Police Service initially made representations opposing the application, citing concerns about the prevention of crime and disorder due to potential increases in intoxication and pressure on an area already saturated with late-night premises. However, the Police later withdrew their representation after a number of conditions were agreed with the applicant. Environmental Health also made representations, noting that the extension of hours for the supply of alcohol might increase public nuisance and impact public safety.

The South East Bayswater Residents' Association (SEBRA) objected, raising concerns about the impact on public nuisance, particularly regarding noise from the pub and its beer garden, and the pungent odours from the Thai restaurant in the basement, which they claimed vented through exterior outlets. They requested updated licence conditions and earlier closing times for outdoor seating. Other residents also objected, citing noise from customers congregating outside, and the smell from the basement restaurant. The Hyde Park Estate Association also raised concerns, noting that the requested hours were beyond Westminster's core licensing hours and that they would await further representations from residents and council departments before making a definitive position.

The applicant, The Heron Paddington Limited, responded by stating that the extension was modest and intended to manage customer dispersal more smoothly. They highlighted that the beer garden voluntarily closed earlier than permitted out of respect for residents and that the requested hours were largely in line with or only slightly beyond Westminster's core hours. They also noted that the Metropolitan Police's concerns had been addressed through agreed conditions.

Pearl at the Beaumont Mayfair, The Garden Cafe, Brown Hart Gardens, London, W1K 8UH

A new premises licence application was scheduled for consideration for Pearl at the Beaumont Mayfair⁵, located at Brown Hart Gardens. The application sought authorisation for the sale of alcohol, late-night refreshment, and recorded music, primarily for a restaurant and private terrace associated with The Beaumont Hotel.

Representations were received from Environmental Health, noting potential increases in public nuisance and impacts on public safety due to the requested hours and non-standard timings for New Year's Eve. Several residents and local groups also objected. Concerns were raised about the proposal fundamentally changing the character of Brown Hart Gardens, a public space, by effectively reserving a significant portion for hotel guests and restaurant customers, potentially creating division. Residents also cited previous noise disturbances from outdoor trading at the site, including clattering glasses, loud conversations, and amplified music, which they claimed carried into their homes due to the area's acoustic canyon effect . Issues of anti-social behaviour, litter, and the security risks associated with operating on top of an electricity sub-station were also raised.

The applicant, The Beaumont Hotel Limited, stated that the restaurant would be accessible, offering a residential discount, and would foster close links with neighbours. They committed to providing direct contact details for residents and assured that the operation would be carefully managed to minimise noise, with early closing times for outdoor dining. They also clarified that the licensed area would be restricted to Pearl's external seating, not the entire deck, and that the gardens would remain accessible to the public during their usual hours. The applicant highlighted that the hotel already managed external areas without complaint and that the proposed hours were conservative.

8 Loxton Walk, London, W1U 8AZ

The committee was scheduled to consider a new premises licence application for 8 Loxton Walk⁶. The application sought authorisation for the sale of alcohol (on and off-sales), late-night refreshment, and recorded music.

Environmental Health submitted a representation indicating that the requested licensable activities and hours could lead to an increase in public nuisance and impact public safety. The Metropolitan Police Service also made representations, noting that while the requested hours were in line with Westminster's core hours policy, the introduction of a new licensed premises in an area with existing licensed venues could potentially increase crime and disorder.

Marylebone Councillors objected to parts of the application, specifically concerning the hours for alcohol sales on the terrace and the requested closing times for outdoor seating and windows. They requested a reduction in terrace hours and an earlier closure for windows and doors to mitigate potential nuisance to nearby residents.

The applicant, Perfect Dough Company Ltd, made amendments during the consultation process, reducing the proposed timings for alcohol sales and opening hours. The proposed conditions included measures for CCTV, an incident log, a Challenge 25 policy, and restrictions on deliveries and waste collection times. An interested party and the applicant agreed on specific conditions regarding the closure of the terrace at 22:00 and the closure of doors and windows after 21:00.