Residents have voiced strong opposition to a new late-night licence bid for a venue on Kensington High Street, citing a history of serious crime, noise, and public nuisance.
The application, made by YRS-LDN Limited for premises at 1A Kensington High Street, sought to serve alcohol and provide entertainment until 4am seven days a week. The proposed entertainment types included films, live music, recorded music, performance of dance and similar entertainment
. However, the bid faced significant opposition from local residents, businesses, and councillors during a Kensington and Chelsea Council Licensing Sub-Committee hearing on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
The venue's troubled past was a central theme of the objections. Residents and the Milestone Hotel, located nearby, highlighted previous incidents of violence, including a triple stabbing on January 9, 2022, around 4am, which led to the revocation of the previous licence. The incident involved three patrons being stabbed, and an emergency responder and a police officer were assaulted while attending to the injured. A further fight involving 15-20 patrons from the venue took place in Kensington Court. The Metropolitan Police submitted a summary review application due to the serious crime and disorder
associated with the event, and the committee accepted evidence that this was not an isolated incident, noting other fights and issues at the premises on previous dates. The venue's licence was subsequently revoked.
Concerns were raised about noise, vibrations, litter, and anti-social behaviour associated with earlier operations at the site. Residents reported issues with noise from patrons, such as shouting and loud music, litter and waste, urinating in the street, congregating in residential areas, and a general feeling of intimidation. Vibrations and low-frequency bass from amplified music, as well as noise from extraction and air-conditioning equipment, were also cited. Dispersal issues, with large numbers of intoxicated patrons leaving the premises, and parking and vehicle disturbance from loud car parties, were further points of concern.
During the hearing, the applicant's representative acknowledged the site's history and proposed revised hours, reducing the terminal hour for alcohol sales to 1.30am Monday to Thursday and 2am Friday to Sunday, with the premises closing 30 minutes later. The Metropolitan Police withdrew their representation following these concessions and the offer of additional conditions.
However, objectors remained unconvinced, arguing that even the revised hours were excessive for a location directly above residential properties and adjacent to a hotel. They called for a midnight closing time, citing the council's own licensing policy. Specifically, the proposed hours conflict with paragraph 2.9(i) of the Kensington and Chelsea Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2026-2031, which generally limits licensable activities to midnight to balance residential and commercial interests. Exceptions can be made if applicants demonstrate their new or extended licences will not conflict with the licensing objectives. Objectors argued that the applicant had not sufficiently demonstrated this.
Environmental Health officers also expressed concerns about the proposed hours, suggesting midnight as an optimal time to demonstrate well-run operations and build confidence. They noted that while many of their concerns had been addressed through agreed conditions, the hours remained at odds with the council's licensing policy.
The Milestone Hotel expressed specific concerns about the impact on their business operations and guest experience. Andrew Pike, Managing Director of The Milestone Hotel & Residences, stated that repeated disturbances could negatively affect guest satisfaction, reviews, and the hotel's reputation. He also highlighted increased risks of antisocial behaviour, altercations, threats to guest security, vulnerability of guest vehicles, and additional security pressures on overnight teams due to patrons dispersing in the early hours.
The committee heard detailed discussions about proposed conditions, including waiter/waitress service for alcohol, ID scanners on weekend evenings, a resident liaison scheme, and noise mitigation measures. The proposed noise mitigation measures include an acoustic report and works, a sound limiting device for amplified music, no independent sound systems, a noise management plan and dispersal policy, and ensuring no noise or vibration from plant or cooking processes. Loudspeakers are also not to be located in the entrance and exit or outside the building. While Environmental Health believed these measures should alleviate concerns, residents expressed skepticism due to past experiences and the building's structure.
The proposed resident liaison scheme involves organised meetings with residents, residents' associations, and local councillors twice a year. The applicant also stated they had held a pre-hearing meeting with residents to provide reassurance of a direct line of contact. The applicant agreed to a condition to organise and accommodate these meetings unless otherwise agreed in writing by residents and their associations. Details of proposed meetings are to be displayed, and notifications sent to residents' associations and ward councillors at least two weeks in advance. Minutes of these meetings are to be taken, circulated, and made available at the premises.
The applicant's barrister, Duncan Craig, alluded to the financial implications for the applicant if their bid is rejected or significantly curtailed, stating that this was their big chance
and they were not incredibly well-resourced
. He explained that later hours were crucial for the business's viability, citing a previous experience where extending hours to 2am made the business viable.
No decision was announced at the hearing. The committee retired to deliberate in private, with a summary determination to be sent to the parties within five working days, followed by a full decision. The previous premises licence was revoked in February 2022 and a new licence granted in April 2022, but this existing licence is currently suspended due to non-payment of the annual fee. The venue has reportedly been closed for some time, and the applicant is seeking a new premises licence.
Public reports pack 29th-Oct-2026 10.00 Licensing Sub-Committee