Leyton residents have voiced strong opinions regarding a request to extend the hours of operation for Orient Lounge, a Restaurant Lounge
located at 389 High Road. The Waltham Forest Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee met on Friday, 11 July 2025, to consider the application, which has drawn both support and objections from the local community.
Mr Florenc Sadiku, the applicant, is seeking to extend the current premises licence to allow for:
- Sale of alcohol: Sunday-Wednesday 11:00 - 01:00, Thursday-Saturday 11:00 - 02:00
- Late refreshment: Sunday-Wednesday 23:00 - 01:00, Thursday-Saturday 23:00 - 02:00
- Recorded music: Sunday-Wednesday 13:00 - 01:00, Thursday-Saturday 13:00 - 02:00
The current operating hours for Orient Lounge are:
- Sale of alcohol (on sales), and recorded music: Sunday to Thursday 11:00 to 23.30, Friday and Saturday 11:00 to 00:00
- Late Night Refreshment: Sunday to Thursday 23:00 to 23.30, Friday and Saturday 23:00 to 00:00
- Opening hours of the premises: Sunday to Thursday 07:00 to 23.30, Friday and Saturday 07:00 to 00:00
The licensing section received 35 representations, with 32 from local residents and 3 from responsible authorities. Following the consultation, Mr Sadiku submitted a petition with approximately 140 signatures in support of the variation application.
Objections
Residents of Balmoral Road, which backs onto the Orient Lounge, raised concerns about potential disturbances. Eleanor Hampton cited the likelihood of an increased risk of anti-social behaviour
and the certainty of increased late night noise.
Angus Richardson expressed concerns regarding crime, public safety, public nuisance and the protection of children from harm.
Iona Wotton, also of Balmoral Road, echoed these concerns, stating that allowing the sale of alcohol late into the night would encourage gatherings that could lead to increased incidents of crime and disorder in the area. She also raised concerns about public safety, public nuisance and the protection of children from harm.
Councillor Rhiannon Eglin seconded the concerns of Councillor Terry Wheeler, noting that the previous request for late hours caused concern for residents on Balmoral Road due to noise issues. Councillor Terry Wheeler stated he would not support the application for extended hours, given the close proximity of residential properties.
Christopher Gorst urged the council to refuse the application based on the prevention of public nuisance, while Kathryn Reed cited a pattern of non-compliance
with existing licensing conditions, stating that customers continue to use the Balmoral Road fire exit as an entrance and music continues to be played in the rear garden area late into the evening.
Tunde Olayinka formally objected on the grounds of prevention of public nuisance and protection of children from harm. Maria Secova also opposed the variation, raising concerns regarding public nuisance, crime, disorder, public safety, and the protection of children from harm. Ashley Hampton cited noise disturbance, anti-social behaviour, and licensing and planning discrepancies. Eve Coles raised concerns regarding noise, public safety, and the impact on children.
Alishba Emanuel MRTPI, Planning Officer, stated that the planning department would object to the extension of hours requested, as a previous application to extend the operational hours of the rear enclosed area was refused on 28/01/2025. The application, planning reference 242858, sought to extend the operational hours of the rear enclosed area to members of the public Sunday-Thursday 07:00-00:00 and Friday-Saturday 07:00-00:30, but was refused due to potential harm produced during the intensification of the activity within the site, which involves a considerable increase in operating hours. The refusal was also based on the limited setback or distance from neighbouring residential properties, including residential units directly adjoining the premises, which meant the intensification was considered unneighbourly, and a means of mitigating the impact of noise and disturbance was not proposed.
Abdi Mohamed, Environmental Health Officer - Noise, and Christina Zervou, Service Manager - Air Quality & Environmental Protection Service, stated that the Air Quality & Environmental Protection Service has some concerns over the extension of hours of operation until 1am between Sunday and Wednesday and until 2am between Thursday and Saturday. The Air Quality & Environmental Protection Service noted that the new rear building is in close proximity to a number of residential properties and later hours proposed pose a higher risk of nuisance. Fareeha Malik, Licensing Enforcement Officer, stated that Licensing have previously received complaints regarding noise and nuisance primarily relating to the relatively new rear area which was constructed where a car park existed before, and that Licensing are concerned about the potential for further nuisance with the much later hours being applied for.
In the application to vary the license, Mr. Sadiku stated: I have spent significant additional funds to make sure that all the windows are double safety glassing and with the gas insulation / sound proof).
Other proposed measures include:
- All windows shall remain closed during licensed activities.
- A noise survey shall be carried out regularly especially when entertainment is being provided.
- When required, staff organise taxis to transport customers home and customers are seen off the premises and encouraged to disperse at closing.
- Signs shall be displayed in the premises and frontage instructing patrons to recognise the residential nature of the area and to conduct their behaviour in a courteous manner.
Support
Despite the objections, the application also garnered significant support. Arfan Hussain wrote to highlight the difficulties faced by Orient Lounge, stating that it is exactly the type of business the area needs more of. Mayurika Patel stated that since Orient Lounge opened, they've observed a significant improvement to the area, zero noise disturbance, and professional management. Ani Emilieva Borisova stated that since Orient Lounge began operating, they have seen a significant and positive transformation, and that the area is now well maintained, clean, and safer. Gazmor Hysa stated that since moving into the property directly above Orient Lounge, they have not experienced any issues with noise or nuisance from Orient Lounge. Paul Kingham stated that as a regular customer for nearly a year, he has come to appreciate the unique and positive contribution this establishment makes to the local area. Muhammad Yahya stated that he was writing as a passionate supporter of local businesses to advocate for Orient Lounge in Leyton. Arslan Ali stated that as a former security guard at the venue, he saw firsthand the positive role it plays in the community, as well as the challenges it faces due to its limited operating hours. John Gilburt stated that the Orient Lounge bar has been a welcome addition to the hospitality offer in the area, and that its external effect on the local community is minimal. Mansoor Hussain stated that as a local business owner, he was writing to express his concern regarding the recently imposed restricted operating hours on Orient Lounge, located on Leyton High Road. Gerardo Ortiz stated that as a fellow local business owner, he has had the pleasure of witnessing the impact that Orient Lounge has on our community. Michelle Brockington stated that as a local resident, she has never experienced any negative issues related to noise, nuisance, anti-social behaviour, or crime as a result of the restaurant's current operations. Neil Taylor, Chief Executive, Leyton Orient Trust, stated that he was writing on behalf of Leyton Orient Trust to express their strong support for the licence variation application submitted by Mr Florenc Sadiku t/a Orient Lounge. Pa Lette, Partnership Account Manager Leyton Orient FC, stated that Leyton Orient FC would not choose to work in partnership with a business or an individual unless it is proven that the person's organisation/premises were fully compliant and operated professionally & respectfully in the area. Mark Devlin, Chief Executive Officer of Leyton Orient Football Club, stated that Leyton Orient Football Club is committed to promoting local businesses and creating positive partnerships within our area, and that Orient Lounge has been a valued part of our local landscape.
Councillor Keith Rayner stated that he continues to support The Orient Lounge as a business of high standards and working practices, and that the owner took on what was a dilapidated site which had a long history of misuse. Simon Madana expressed his support for Orient Lounge, stating that it has become a cherished part of our community, offering not only quality food and hospitality but also a warm, inclusive environment where people from all walks of life can gather.
The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee is expected to consider all representations before making a decision on the licence variation. The Sub-Committee is asked to consider the application and decide to either: grant the application in full; or grant the application in part; or refuse the application. The meeting was POSTPONED.
