A new late-night dessert destination is coming to Kentish Town Road, after Camden Council's Licensing Panel D approved a new premises licence for Urban Chocolatier. The decision, made at a meeting on June 19, 2025, will allow the chocolatier to serve late night refreshments until 1am for on-premises dining and until 2am for deliveries, seven days a week.
The application faced opposition from local residents, with seven representations received, including objections from Councillor Joseph Ball, Labour Councillor for Kentish Town South, three resident associations, and three residents. Concerns primarily revolved around public safety, prevention of public nuisance, crime and disorder, and the protection of children from harm.
Kate Gemmell from TRACT, also speaking on behalf of Pat Thomas from Harmood Clarence Hartland Residents Association, raised concerns about late-night footfall and potential disturbances. Councillor Ball suggested a 12am closing time would be more appropriate to prevent public nuisance.
Despite these concerns, the panel approved the application after the applicant agreed to accept 10 additional conditions requested by the police, leading to the withdrawal of their objection. These conditions included ending dining on the premises at 1am and allowing deliveries until 2am daily.
Mr Leigh Schelvis, the applicant's solicitor, argued that the application aimed to improve business viability and address challenges facing the hospitality sector. He highlighted the venue's community focus, premium offerings, and support for grassroots live music, noting that 14 Temporary Event Notices (TENs) had been successfully operated until 3am without complaints.
The panel's approval is subject to further conditions, including a dispersal policy and a limit of 15 customers in the external smoking area after midnight Monday to Thursday, and after 1am on Friday and Saturday. The applicant also voluntarily withdrew the request for off-sales.
At the same meeting, the panel also reviewed and approved an application to vary the premises licence for Domino's Pizza, located at 194 Kentish Town Road. However, an application to transfer a premises licence for Sican, located on Whitfield Street, was rejected due to police concerns.
