The Licensing Sub-Committee (1) of Westminster Council met on Thursday 14 August 2025 to consider a new premises licence application for 63 Abbey Road. The committee granted the application, subject to a number of conditions.

New Premises Licence for 63 Abbey Road

The committee granted a new premises licence for 63 Abbey Road, London NW8 0AE, to operate as a family-friendly neighbourhood pub. The application was made by Calaviation Limited. The premises previously held a licence that was revoked in June 2023.

The application sought to allow the sale of alcohol from 10:00 to 23:00 Monday to Thursday, 10:00 to 23:30 on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10:00 to 22:00 on Sundays. Opening hours were requested to be from 10:00 to 23:30 Monday to Thursday, 10:00 to 00:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10:00 to 22:30 on Sundays.

Representations were received from the Metropolitan Police, Environmental Health Services, the St John's Wood Society, and several interested parties. The Metropolitan Police and the St John's Wood Society later withdrew their objections after the applicant agreed to additional conditions. Two interested parties objected to the application, while four supported it.

The objectors raised concerns about potential noise, anti-social behaviour, and the impact on local residents. Specific issues included the timing of outdoor area closures, rubbish collection, noise from exhaust fans, and the potential for public urination.

The applicant, represented by Nathaniel Gadsby, addressed these concerns by proposing several conditions. These included:

• No outdoor serving of food or beverages after 22:00.
• Amending rubbish collection times to be no earlier than 22:00.
• Ensuring all internal and external equipment would be serviced or replaced.
• A commitment to preventing anti-social behaviour.
• An agreement not to supply or permit the use of shisha on the premises.

The committee noted the constructive engagement between the applicant and local residents. They acknowledged that the majority of concerns raised by residents had been addressed through proportionate and appropriate conditions.

The decision to grant the licence was made after careful consideration of the Licensing Act 2003, statutory guidance, and Westminster's Statement of Licensing Policy. The committee highlighted that the proposed hours were within Westminster's Core Hours Policy for pubs and bars.

The granted licence includes the following key conditions:

• Sale of Alcohol: Mondays to Thursdays 10:00 to 23:00, Fridays and Saturdays 10:00 to 23:30, Sundays 10:00 to 22:00. Extended hours apply on New Year's Eve, Sundays preceding a Bank Holiday Monday, Christmas Eve, and Boxing Day.
• Opening Times: Mondays to Thursdays 10:00 to 23:30, Fridays and Saturdays 10:00 to 00:00, Sundays 10:00 to 22:30. Extended hours apply on New Year's Eve, Sundays preceding a Bank Holiday Monday, Christmas Eve, and Boxing Day.
• Mandatory Conditions: Standard conditions under the Licensing Act 2003 apply.
• Agreed Conditions: A comprehensive list of agreed conditions was attached to the licence, covering aspects such as environmental health assessments, capacity agreements, CCTV requirements, incident logging, noise control, waste management, and the operation of a Challenge 25 proof of age scheme. Specific conditions included the closure of outdoor areas by 22:00, restrictions on rubbish collection times, and the prohibition of shisha.

The committee expressed their approval of the applicant's willingness to engage with residents and address their concerns, which they believed would foster a healthy relationship with the local community.

The meeting was attended by Councillor Aziz Toki (Chair), Councillor Patrick Lilley, and Councillor Karen Scarborough. Councillor Caroline Sargent was also present. The meeting concluded at 10:28 am.