Lewisham Council has approved a premises licence for a new music venue and bar located beneath Deptford Railway Station, despite concerns from local residents about potential noise and anti-social behaviour.
The Licensing Committee granted the licence to Mark Walker for Unit 8 Titan Business Estate, Ffinch Street, SE8 5QA, following a meeting on 23 July 2025. The decision allows the venue to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises and host live and recorded music, with modified hours and additional conditions. While the venue will be open beyond midnight on occasion and will serve alcohol, live or recorded music is only planned after 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. The standard night will consist of live music followed by a DJ or recorded music, but music is not expected to be played every night.
Several residents voiced strong objections to the application, citing concerns about noise levels, disruptive behaviour, and the potential impact on their wellbeing. One objector described the venue as creating a pub garden-like atmosphere with 30–40 people outside,
while another claimed that attendees leave the venue with open containers of alcohol... After leaving the venue, patrons continued drinking on Deptford High Street.
Mr Walker, the applicant, addressed the committee, explaining that the venue aims to provide performance opportunities for musicians who often struggle to find suitable spaces, and to contribute positively to the social fabric of Deptford.
He acknowledged the existing noise from the railway station and outlined steps taken to mitigate sound leakage, including the installation of a sound wall.
Councillor Brown questioned Mr Walker about the venue's dispersal policy, particularly regarding people gathering outside after events. Mr Walker responded that security had been used to guide people towards Deptford High Street and transport links, and that he would continue to monitor and improve the dispersal route, potentially adding signage or stewards. The dispersal policy involves directing people through Ffinch Street and onto the High Street, with security staff ensuring patrons do not walk around and drink outside.
To address residents' concerns, the committee imposed modified hours and additional conditions on the licence. The venue must close by 23:30 Monday to Thursday and 00:30 Friday to Saturday. Furthermore, a dispersal policy must be implemented within one month to prevent loitering, and a direct telephone number for the manager must be publicly available at all times the premises is open, allowing residents and businesses to report any issues. The council has stipulated that this telephone number must be actively monitored.
The Licensing Committee, chaired by Councillor Yemisi Anifowose, also included Councillors David Walker, Chris Barnham, Bill Brown, Natasha Burgess, Sian Eiles, Billy Harding, and Kim Powell. The Minutes of the 23 July 2025 Licensing Committee Meeting provide a full account of the discussion and decision.
