A Bloomsbury cafe is facing opposition from local residents as it seeks a new premises licence to extend its opening hours. The Licensing Panel C of Camden Council met on Thursday 24 July 2025, to consider the application for Fiena Cafe, located on Judd Street.
The cafe hopes to serve alcohol and late-night refreshments until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 23:30 on other nights.
The application has drawn objections from nearby residents, who fear increased noise and disruption. Sarah Friday of the Medway Court Tenants and Residents Association, raised concerns about noise, smell, and the cafe's outdoor furniture encroaching on public space. Oliver Josephs, a resident of Rashleigh House, Thanet Street, cited concerns about noise, the impact on children, and safety. Mr. Josephs' flat bedroom directly overlooks the cafe's outdoor seating area.
Mr. Josephs stated:
I am writing to formally object to the planning application submitted by Fiena Cafe at 4 Medway Court to extend its operating hours. As a resident of Rasheigh House, Thanet Street, my flat bedroom directly overlooks the cafe's outdoor seating area, and I have serious concerns regarding the impact that these extended hours will have on my quality of life, as well as the safety of local children and the surrounding community.
To address these concerns, Fiena Cafe has proposed several measures outlined in the report pack for the meeting. These conditions, consistent with the operating schedule, include operating as a restaurant with table service and installing and maintaining a CCTV system. The cafe also intends to implement a Challenge 25 policy1.
The Camden Statement of Licensing Policy 2022-2027 outlines the licensing objectives engaged by the application, including the prevention of crime and disorder, public nuisance, ensuring public safety and the protection of children from harm. The policy also includes principles committing licensed premises to act responsibly regarding female harassment, encouraging them to communicate, support each other, and provide training for all staff.
The panel, including Councillor Nina De Ayala Parker and Councillor Matthew Kirk, will consider the representations and the applicant's proposals before making a decision on the license. The decision will be made in light of Camden's licensing objectives and policies.
1 Challenge 25 is a retailing strategy that encourages anyone who is over 18 but looks under 25 to carry acceptable ID (a card bearing the PASS hologram, a photographic driving licence or a passport) if they want to buy alcohol.
