The Licensing Sub Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, to consider two applications for new premises licences. The committee granted a licence for Urban Chocolatier, with modified hours, and granted a licence for Silas Yard with significant restrictions on its operating hours and activities.

Urban Chocolatier, 9 Davenant Street, London E1 5NB

The committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Urban Chocolatier, located at 9 Davenant Street, London E1 5NB. The applicant sought to extend their late-night refreshment hours from Monday to Wednesday until 1:30 AM and from Thursday to Sunday until 2:30 AM. This was an extension of two hours on existing licence hours on Monday to Thursday and an additional hour during Ramadan.

Representations were received from Environmental Protection, the Licensing Authority, and a local resident. Environmental Protection raised concerns about potential noise breakout from the venue, disturbance from patrons accessing and leaving the premises, and the premises' location within the Brick Lane Cumulative Impact Area¹. The Licensing Authority echoed these concerns, noting that while there had been no previous complaints about the premises under its current hours, the proposed extended hours on a quiet residential street could lead to noise disturbance. They also highlighted that the proposed hours exceeded the council's framework hours and did not fall into the Cumulative Impact Zone² exemption policy. The local resident, Mr. Morad Lashmilvi, who joined online, expressed concerns about noise and disturbance from customers, particularly due to the residential nature of the street and the need for early rising.

The applicant, represented by Mr. David Dadds, argued that the premises had operated for 13 years without cause for complaint and that the proposed hours were necessary for the business to offer hot food, such as waffles and hot sauce. He contended that the burden of proof lay with the objectors to demonstrate that the licensing objectives would be undermined. Mr. Dadds also highlighted changes in statutory guidance that emphasised promoting economic benefit and growth.

After deliberation, the committee decided to grant the licence but with modified hours. The exact modifications were not detailed in the transcript but were implied to be a compromise on the requested extended hours.

Silas Yard, 4 Ravenscroft Street, London E2 7QG

The committee also considered an application for a new premises licence for Silas Yard, located at 4 Ravenscroft Street, London E2 7QG. The applicant, Wellington Pub Company Limited, sought to sell alcohol, provide regulated entertainment, and offer late-night refreshment. The proposed hours for alcohol sales were until 11:30 PM on weekdays and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, with opening hours extending later. The application also included provision for regulated entertainment, such as live music, recorded music, and dance, until 11:30 PM on weekdays and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

A significant number of representations were received from local residents, raising concerns about noise pollution, anti-social behaviour, traffic and parking issues, and the impact on children and the residential character of the area. Many residents cited past issues with the premises when it operated as a pub and later as Clutch, detailing problems with loud music, patrons congregating outside, and drug-related activity. Specific concerns were raised about the proximity to Ravenscroft Park and the impact on children's sleep and safety.

The applicant's representative, Mr. Richard Taylor, explained that the premises' previous licence had lapsed due to administrative reasons, not due to any issues with its operation. He stated that the application was amended to remove the request for regulated entertainment, focusing solely on alcohol sales and late-night refreshment. The proposed tenant, Campania, was described as a well-regarded local restaurant operator aiming to create a neighbourhood bar and restaurant. Mr. Taylor argued that the proposed hours were within the council's framework hours and that the responsible authorities (police and environmental health) had not objected to the amended application.

The objectors, including Ms. Helenka Wargon, Ms. Aiwa Okuda, Mr. Christopher Cousins, and others, reiterated their concerns about noise, disturbance, and the potential for anti-social behaviour, particularly given the residential nature of the area and the proximity to homes and a children's play area. They highlighted the poor sound insulation of the building and the urban canyon effect of the street, which amplified noise. Many requested significantly shorter hours and stricter conditions, with some suggesting a 10 PM closing time.

After extensive discussion, the committee granted the licence for Silas Yard. However, the decision included significant modifications to the requested hours and activities. The regulated entertainment aspect was removed entirely, and the operating hours were substantially reduced from the initial application, aligning more closely with the residents' requests for shorter hours and stricter conditions to mitigate noise and disturbance. The committee also noted that residents could apply for a licence review if the premises failed to operate within the agreed conditions.

Extension of Decision Deadlines

The committee also agreed to extend the decision deadline for an application concerning Cafe La Vista, located at 15 Brook Lane, London E16 PU, to 30 June 2026.