An Italian restaurant's bid to serve alcohol in its rear garden has been significantly curtailed after residents raised concerns about noise, smell, and a lack of privacy. Arianna Trattoria Romana, located at 787 Fulham Road, was granted a premises licence by Hammersmith and Fulham Council's Licensing Sub-Committee, but with strict limitations on the use of its outdoor space.
Residents living in the flats above the restaurant voiced strong objections to the initial application, which sought to allow alcohol sales and music from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm daily, including in the rear garden. Concerns ranged from noise and smell to the potential for increased pest activity and a lack of privacy. Residents described how noise from previous restaurant use of the garden had negatively impacted their ability to enjoy their homes, with one resident detailing how it led to panic attacks and anxiety due to being confined to their bedroom with windows closed. Specifically, they mentioned noise created was really substantial and negatively impacted, you know, our bedrooms, our terrace, and the general livability of the flat.
They also worried about people smoking, the service of food outside, potentially increasing the presence of rats and other pests.
During the licensing sub-committee meeting on April 15, 2026, the committee heard that the restaurant is a very very small restaurant so we're talking about I believe less than 50 cover perhaps 47 i i remember this number but something like that.
Despite the small capacity, residents noted that even with a low number of people, the noise created was really substantial.
In response to these concerns, the applicant's solicitor, Gerardo Aprovitolo, offered to withdraw the use of the garden for commercial purposes. This offer was welcomed by the objectors, and the committee subsequently granted the licence with modified conditions. The rear garden area can now only be used by patrons during specific hours: Monday to Friday from 12:30 pm to 7:00 pm, and on weekends and bank holidays from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Outside of these times, the garden must be clear of all patrons.
Crucially, the meeting information states, Music played indoors will be limited to background levels, with no amplified music proposed for the external rear garden area.
The rear garden's use is implied to be for dining and alcohol consumption, not solely for drinks, during the permitted hours.
Other conditions agreed upon include the restaurant operating primarily as a food-led establishment, with alcohol sales ancillary to food orders and only for seated customers. This means the core business model revolves around food service, with alcohol sales supporting and complementing the food offerings. A Challenge 25 policy will be enforced for alcohol sales, and staff will receive regular training on the Licensing Act 2003. High-definition CCTV will be installed, and a sign will also be displayed requesting patrons to leave quietly.
The committee noted that the applicant had delayed the restaurant's opening pending the licence decision. The full decision can be found in the Decisions 15th-Apr-2026 Licensing Sub-Committee.pdf.
