Lewisham venue House of Flavours has been handed new operating conditions following a review of its licence, prompted by numerous complaints from local residents. The decision was made by Lewisham Council's Licensing Sub Committee D on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
The committee imposed additional conditions on the premises licence, including the requirement for a written event management plan, a ban on re-entry for individuals who leave to smoke cannabis, and the implementation of a formal written dispersal policy. The venue holds a premises licence authorizing the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises, and regulated entertainment in the form of recorded music between 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Sunday.
The review was initiated by the Licensing Authority due to concerns that the venue's operation was undermining the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder, public safety, and preventing public nuisance. Residents had lodged complaints about noise disturbance, anti-social behaviour, and disorder associated with the premises.
Residents from CityWalk Apartments described persistent issues with loud music, anti-social behaviour, illegal parking, and litter. They stated that the venue, licensed as a restaurant, appeared to be operating more like a nightclub or event venue. This perception was fuelled by amplified music, crowds congregating outside, late-night dispersal and associated anti-social behaviour impacting surrounding residential streets.
Specific events mentioned include ticketed events including all-you-can-drink rum punch parties, DJ-led events and comedy nights.
The use of microphones at high volume by DJs, shouting and engaging directly with customers was also noted as being more characteristic of a nightclub than a restaurant.
During the hearing, evidence was presented detailing a serious disorder incident outside the venue on May 21, 2026. This incident involved a fight that required a substantial emergency service response. Police records show five calls were received that evening, with the first originating from the premises. Approximately nine emergency units attended, and the road outside the premises was obstructed. Two individuals were taken to the hospital and later released. The Licensing Authority reviewed CCTV footage and considered this incident to demonstrate a failure to adequately uphold the licensing objectives relating to crime and disorder and public safety. Another incident on May 24, 2026, involved complaints of excessive noise from music.
The premises licence holder, Ms. Ebony Reid, apologised for the incidents and outlined measures already implemented. These include no longer accepting large bookings, ceasing 'bottomless' promotions for large groups, and introducing an incident book, CCTV, and conflict management training. The typical capacity of House of Flavours is stated to be around 40 people seated. Ms. Reid noted that the venue is no longer promoting 90 minutes of bottomless run punches for large bookings, which was running on that evening.
Following deliberation, the subcommittee decided to add the conditions suggested by the police, along with the three additional measures. These include a formal written dispersal policy, which should incorporate 'Staff supervision outside premises', 'Staggered departures', and 'Taxi coordination'.
A decision notice detailing the reasons for the committee's decision will be issued within five working days. The original conditions of the premises licence before this review included CCTV installation, an incident log, prominent quiet dispersal signage, no open glass or bottles outside, Challenge 21 scheme, and no children admitted without adult supervision.