Haringey Council revokes licence for Cleopatra Restaurant and Lounge after repeated breaches

Haringey Council's Licensing Sub Committee has revoked the premises licence for Cleopatra Restaurant and Lounge following repeated breaches of operating hours and licensing objectives, primarily concerning the prevention of public nuisance and crime and disorder.

The decision came after a review hearing on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, where councillors heard evidence of persistent late-night noise disturbances, amplified music, and operations extending beyond the permitted licensed hours. The grounds for the review primarily related to the prevention of public nuisance, but also mentioned the prevention of crime and disorder, with the applicant stating The primary concern is the premise repeated failure to comply with its licensable hours and result in failure to promote the licensing objectives, specifically the prevention of public nuisance and prevention of crime and disorder.

The review was initiated by Haringey Council's noise and nuisance and licensing enforcement team, who presented a case detailing multiple incidents of non-compliance. Officers reported witnessing the premises operating beyond its 11:30 PM closing time on several occasions, including late into the early hours of January 4, 2025, July 25, 2026, August 14, 2026, and September 19, 2026. Further observations on October 2 and 3, 2026, indicated the premises were still active after authorised hours, with shutters lowered to give the impression of closure.

Cleopatra Restaurant and Lounge with its shutters down at 1:17 AM on September 19, 2026.
Cleopatra Restaurant and Lounge with its shutters down at 1:17 AM on September 19, 2026.Source: Licensing Sub Committee papers, 13 October 2026

Craig Bellringer, Noise and Nuisance and Licensing Enforcement Team Leader for Haringey Council, told the committee that these incidents demonstrated a persistent pattern of non-compliance and that the council had lost confidence in the management's ability to uphold the licence. He recommended the revocation of the premises licence as a proportionate response.

Prior to the licence revocation, the council had issued breach letters to the management of Cleopatra Restaurant and Lounge after officers witnessed the premises operating beyond its permitted hours on July 25, 2026. The noise officer also stated, officers have witnessed the premise operating beyond its permitted hours on more than one occasion. Furthermore, there was an existing enforcement notice issued on July 30, 2021, for the unauthorised erection of a wooden and plastic single storey rear extension and the unauthorised change of use of the premises from a restaurant to a mixed use comprising of a restaurant/shisha lounge. This notice required the removal of the extension and cessation of the mixed use, but it had not been complied with. The noise and nuisance service had also received six reports of loud music from the premises since October 29, 2024, with specific complaints noted on January 4, 2025, May 29, 2026, June 8, 2026, July 3, 2026, and July 7, 2026.

A nighttime photo taken at 1:17 AM on September 19, 2026, at 21 Turnpike Lane, Harringay Ladder, London N8 0EP, showing the interior of a premises with lights on and what appear to be people inside, despite the late hour.
A nighttime photo taken at 1:17 AM on September 19, 2026, at 21 Turnpike Lane, Harringay Ladder, London N8 0EP, showing the interior of a premises with lights on and what appear to be people inside, despite the late hour.Source: Licensing Sub Committee papers, 13 October 2026

Representing the licence holder, Robert Sutherland argued that on all occasions when the, uh, your local authority officers have attended, um, that there has been no nuisance. Nothing which they feel requires action on the part of the license holder in relation to the, um, operation of the premises and the noise. He also stated that none of these noise complaints are substantiated at all. Even on the occasions when your officers attend, he does not and his team do not substantiate the noise complaint. Mr. Sutherland requested the committee grant the premises another opportunity to rectify the situation.

Josiah, the manager of the premises, stated he had been working to improve compliance and outlined plans for sound checkers, strict adherence to closing hours, and updated online advertising to reflect the correct closing time of 11:30 PM. He requested a further chance to demonstrate compliance.

An interior view of Cleopatra Restaurant and Lounge at 01:18 on September 19, 2026, showing patrons seated at tables.
An interior view of Cleopatra Restaurant and Lounge at 01:18 on September 19, 2026, showing patrons seated at tables.Source: Licensing Sub Committee papers, 13 October 2026

However, the subcommittee deliberated on the evidence, with Councillor Pat Payton questioning the nature of gatherings when the premises were allegedly closed. Councillor Kaushika Amin sought clarification on licensable activities. Ultimately, the committee decided to revoke the licence, with the decision to be communicated in writing within five working days.

The decision is subject to a 21-day appeal period, during which any appeal must be made to the Magistrates' Court.

Screenshot of Cleopatra Lounge's Facebook page showing its operating hours, which were a point of contention in a council meeting regarding licensing violations.
Screenshot of Cleopatra Lounge's Facebook page showing its operating hours, which were a point of contention in a council meeting regarding licensing violations.Source: Licensing Sub Committee papers, 13 October 2026

Further details on the proceedings can be found in the Public reports pack for the Licensing Sub Committee meeting on 13th October 2026 and the Agenda frontsheet.