Holy Carrot restaurant has successfully obtained a licence variation to extend its operating hours, allowing for the sale of alcohol from 10 am daily and permitting off-sales of sealed alcoholic beverages.
The decision was made by the Tower Hamlets Licensing Sub Committee on Thursday, July 16, 2026, following a hearing detailed in the Public reports pack.
The restaurant, located at 61-63 Brushfield Street in Spitalfields Market, also secured permission to amend a condition that previously required customers on its external terrace to order food with their drinks. This change will allow patrons on the terrace to enjoy a drink without a food order, reflecting modern dining habits and providing greater operational flexibility. The applicant explained that this amendment would allow them to have people come in, sit, have a glass of wine if they like to, look at the menu. If they don't like to look at the menu, let them leave. That's not a problem. It gives us that operational flexibility. Whereas the moment, we're stuck and we can't do so.
This is expected to impact revenue and customer base by catering to pre-dinner drinks or a casual glass of wine with a friend.
During the hearing, the applicant's representative, Alex Tomlinson, explained that the variations were intended to provide greater operational flexibility, particularly to support a new brunch offering. He emphasised that Holy Carrot would remain a restaurant with a continued focus on high-quality food. The extended alcohol sales, from 11 am to 10 am, are specifically designed to complement this new brunch menu.
Regarding off-sales, Holy Carrot will be able to sell sealed containers of wine and beer for off-premises consumption between 10 am and 11 pm daily. The applicant clarified, It's just cans and bottles of beer and bottles of wine, really, that we could do as sealed containers.
Customers dining at the restaurant will also have the option to purchase one sealed bottle of wine to take home.
No objections were received from responsible authorities. However, there were initial objections from residents primarily concerning noise from plant and machinery. To address these concerns, Holy Carrot undertook significant works,
including the installation of vibration pads, acoustic sounding boards, and jackets around all the fans.
A noise consultant was also engaged to conduct an acoustic survey, and any recommendations were implemented, satisfying the neighbour. A 3D visualization showing noise level readings around the premises was presented as part of the documentation.
The average price of a bottle of wine at the restaurant ranges from £38 to £100. The house wine entry price is £38 a bottle. And I think the most expensive one is £100,
according to the meeting minutes. This pricing reflects the restaurant's positioning with a focus on high-quality food
and a specially curated drinks offering.
The subcommittee granted the variation as applied for, with the decision to be communicated within five working days. The full details of the meeting can be found in the Supplementary Agenda and Agenda frontsheet.
