Residents of Russell Gardens are voicing concerns over a new premises licence application for Ricco Lounge & Club, located at Basement, 11 Russell Gardens, London, W14 8EZ. The application, submitted by Chelsea Events & Entertainment Ltd, seeks permission for a range of licensable activities, including film exhibitions, live and recorded music, dance performances, late-night refreshments, and the sale of alcohol.
The Kensington and Chelsea Licensing Sub-Committee convened on Thursday, 17 July 2025, to consider the application, with Cllr Janet Evans (Chair, Licensing Committee), Cllr Toby Benton (Vice-Chair, Licensing Committee, Family Services Spokesperson), and Cllr Marie-Therese Rossi (Vice-Chair, Licensing Committee) in attendance. The agenda outlined the purpose of the hearing: to determine whether the application should be granted and, if so, under what conditions.
Chelsea Events & Entertainment Ltd's application detailed plans for a restaurant, pre-bookable event space, takeaway, and cocktail bar with an outside dining area. The proposed hours for licensable activities are extensive, running from 10:00 to either 00:30 or 24:00, depending on the activity and day of the week. The application also included a request for extended hours on New Year's Eve. Mr Francesco Di Bello is listed as the designated premises supervisor.
To address potential concerns, the applicant volunteered several steps to promote the licensing objectives, including operating as an Italian restaurant with a minimum of 14 tables and 70 chairs, providing waiter/waitress service, limiting capacity to 120 people, maintaining a CCTV system, and implementing a 'Challenge 25' scheme. The applicant also stated that they would take steps to prevent noise nuisance and participate in a local Pub Watch scheme.
However, the licensing authority received two representations opposing the application. Residents cited concerns about potential disturbances and anti-social behaviour, drawing on the premises' history. They expressed fears of a repeat of previous incidents, including fights, drug use, noise, and parking issues. One resident stated that the premises had largely contributed to increased disturbance in a heavily residential area. From drugs, fighting, setting off car alarms and most disturbingly gun shots!!
According to the public reports pack, seventeen noise/nuisance complaints had been received in the preceding 24 months, and the premises had been subject to five Temporary Event Notices in the past year. A list of the Temporary Event Notices is attached as Appendix F in the public reports pack. The planning department confirmed that the premises had historically operated as a nightclub, with a Certificate of Lawfulness granted in October 2005. However, the planning officer noted that if the premises were to continue operating as a nightclub, it may be in breach of planning control. The document does not specify the definition of 'nightclub' the planning officer is using.
Notably, the premises previously traded as Ricco Lounge & Club, but its premises licence was revoked on 26 July 2024, following a summary review sought by the police on the grounds that the premises were associated with serious crime.
The previous licence permitted a range of activities, including the sale of alcohol, recorded and live music, dance performances, late-night refreshments and film exhibitions. A copy of the previous licence is available in Appendix A- Previous Licence.
The Licensing Sub-Committee was asked to consider the application in light of the licensing objectives, representations received, and relevant guidance and policies. The options available to the sub-committee were to grant the application in full, modify the conditions of the licence, refuse to specify a person in the licence as the designated premises supervisor, or reject the whole or part of the application. The outcome of the hearing is pending.