Brickwood Coffee & Bread has been granted a new premises licence by Wandsworth Council, permitting the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises.
The decision was made by the Licensing Sub-Committee on Thursday, June 25, 2026, following an application that received 11 representations from local residents concerned about public nuisance, crime and disorder, and the protection of children from harm. The full details of the application and the committee's decision can be found in the Public reports pack.
Brickwood Coffee & Bread is licensed for the sale of alcohol from 10:00 AM until 11:00 PM Sunday through Thursday nights, and from 10:00 AM until 12:00 AM (midnight) on Friday and Saturday nights. Late-night refreshment is permitted until 11:30 PM Sunday to Thursday and until 12:30 AM Friday and Saturday.
During the hearing, applicant Jake Benjen, representing JMHG Limited, stated that the licence was crucial for broadening revenue streams in a challenging economic climate. He explained that a similar licence at their Hildra Street premises had enabled them to host supper clubs and events, generating additional income. The licence will allow for the hosting of 'various supper clubs, events and functions' to generate additional revenue for the business.
Benjen emphasized that Brickwood Coffee & Bread is primarily a food-led venue, and the intention is not to operate as a bar or be open every night. Instead, the licence will allow for additional services during brunch and for bespoke events.
To address residents' concerns, several conditions were imposed on the licence. These include the clearing of external areas by 10:00 PM, no more than six customers in the designated smoking area at any time, and steps to prevent customers from congregating outside and causing noise nuisance. Specific measures to prevent congregating and noise nuisance include:
- 'All reasonable steps (including patrolling the external areas from time to time) shall be taken to stop customers or potential customers from congregating outside the premises or causing noise nuisance to residents living in the vicinity of the premises.'
- 'The external doors of the premises shall be kept closed late night except for immediate access and egress from 22:00 hours until the premises closes.'
- 'Prominent notices shall be displayed at all exits requesting customers to leave the area quietly and respect residents.'
External doors must be kept closed from 10:00 PM, except for immediate access and egress, and notices will be displayed requesting customers to leave quietly.
Councillor Toby Hopkins questioned the applicant on the proposed hours and the impact on residents. Benjen noted that alcohol sales currently account for approximately 5.5% of revenue at their other site. For the Brickwood Battersea Rise site, the applicant stated that it is currently a business which is only breaking even and that they hope implementing the licence will increase revenues, though a specific projected increase from alcohol sales was not provided.
The premises holds approximately 55 seats inside and has a capacity of about 15 externally. The applicant stated that these are not large places and are sandwiched between a tequila bar and a pub, both of which have triple the capacity. The applicant also noted that the small capacity would not contribute significantly to noise and disorder.
