Residents in the Portobello Road area have voiced concerns over a new premises licence application that could lead to increased noise and disturbance. The Kensington and Chelsea Licensing Sub-Committee convened on 19 June 2025, to consider the application by Freshley Made LTD for 240 Portobello Road, London, W11 1LL.

The application seeks a shadow licence mirroring the terms of the existing premises licence 05/9119021. This includes activities already permitted at the premises, such as:

  • Exhibition of a film - Indoors
  • Indoor sporting event
  • Performance of live music - Indoors
  • Playing of recorded music - Indoors
  • Entertainment similar to music or dance - Indoors
  • Provision of late night refreshments - Indoors
  • Sale by retail of alcohol - On the Premises
  • Regulated Entertainment for Private Use - Indoors

The move has prompted worries about potential public nuisance due to amplified sound and late-night activity.

The proposed hours for these activities extend until midnight or later on most days, raising concerns among local residents.

The licensing authority received two representations opposing the application, citing the potential for increased noise and disturbance. Residents expressed concern that another licensed premises on Portobello Road would exacerbate existing noise issues. One representation specifically highlighted the impact of live and recorded music played until 23:00 daily, calling it concerning and will cause a public nuisance.

The applicant has proposed several steps to mitigate potential issues, including:

  • Ensuring no music or amplified sound would cause nuisance to neighbouring dwellings.
  • Preventing customers from consuming drinks outside the premises after 23:20 Mondays to Saturdays and 22:50 on Sundays.
  • Keeping external doors and windows closed after 21:00.
  • Submitting a Dispersal and External Management Plan to the council's Environmental Health Department, Licensing Authority and the Police for consultation.
  • Relaying all music through a sound limiting device.
  • Rendering benches outside the premises unusable from 22:00.
  • Employing SIA licensed door supervisors.
  • Installing and maintaining a comprehensive CCTV system.
  • Maintaining a dedicated telephone number for complaints.

The report noted that the premises had been the subject of two complaints in the preceding 24 months and three Temporary Events Notices in the past year. Details of these are:

Complaints:

  • Case Ref 344147 (28 May 2024): A complaint was made to RBKC Licensing alleging that a hostess was physically restrained when attempting to leave the premises after using the toilet without buying a drink. Licensing Enforcement informed the Metropolitan Police, who advised the complainant to report the incident via 101. The premises confirmed they were aware of the complaint, and no further action was taken.
  • Case Ref 347265 (25 July 2024): A complainant alleged that an individual's drink was spiked on 4 July 2024. The individual also claimed their jacket and keys were missing. Licensing Enforcement shared the complaint with the Metropolitan Police and advised the complainant to report the incident via their webpages or to forward the investigation to report the incident. Metropolitan Police advised providing a Reference Number if available. Licensing Enforcement chased an update from Metropolitan Police.

Temporary Events Notices:

  • LICTE/24/342376: 05/05/2024, Late Night Refreshment and Sale by retail of alcohol - On the Premises from 00:30 to 02:00 on Sunday
  • LICTE/25/356373: 15/02/2025, Late Night Refreshment and Sale by retail of alcohol - On the Premises from 00:30 to 02:00 on Saturday
  • LICTE/25/360417: 04/05/2025, Late Night Refreshment and Sale by retail of alcohol - On the Premises from 00:30 to 01:00 on Sunday

Ashleigh Wilson MRTPI, Development Management Team Leader (Enforcement), Planning and Place, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, stated that the planning department has no objections, provided the applicant operates within the lawful 'E' use. The planning department confirmed that provided the applicant is operating within the lawful 'E' use, there are no planning conditions restricting operating hours and the sale or provision of alcohol use would not be at odds with lawful use. Use Class E is defined as a category of planning use class that covers a variety of commercial, business and service uses.

The Licensing Sub Committee is requested to make a decision on the application.

1: The application states: Regulated Entertainment for Private Use-Indoors: Regulated entertainment for private use limited to the performance of live music, recorded music, dance, and anything of a similar description at any time, whilst the private use is taking place. Unrestricted hours.