A new restaurant, Rump Steak, has been granted a licence to operate on Lancaster Road, W11, but with a raft of strict conditions attached. The decision was made by the Kensington and Chelsea Licensing Sub-Committee on Thursday, July 23, 2026, following an application that had drawn objections from local residents and a property developer.

Rump Steak, located at 136 Lancaster Road, sought permission to sell alcohol for consumption on and off the premises, provide late-night refreshments, and open to the public. The application faced opposition due to concerns about potential public nuisance, including noise, litter, and anti-social behaviour, particularly relating to proposed external seating and late-night operations. Waste management and rodent activity were also cited as existing issues in the vicinity.

Schematic layout of the proposed Rump Steak restaurant
Schematic layout of the proposed Rump Steak restaurant, indicating dining areas, kitchen equipment, and alcohol licence zones.

During the hearing, the applicant's representative, Mr. Jack Spiegler, assured the committee that Rump Steak, run by an existing Michelin Star restaurant operator with a proven track record in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, would offer a premium dining experience and would not be associated with disruptive behaviour. He confirmed that the rear patio would not be used for customer access and agreed to a condition prohibiting such use, except in emergencies.

The committee, after deliberation, granted the licence but imposed numerous conditions to address the objectors' concerns and uphold licensing objectives. These conditions include restrictions on the use of external seating, a mandatory dispersal policy to manage customer departures, a limit on the premises' overall capacity, and enhanced conditions for New Year's Eve operations, potentially including SIA-licensed door supervisors.

Operating Hours and Conditions

The approved operating hours for Rump Steak are as follows:

  • Provision of late-night refreshments (Indoors): Monday to Sunday, 23:00 to 24:00. On New Year's Eve, from the end of permitted hours until 02:30 on New Year's Day.
  • Sale by retail of alcohol (On and Off the Premises): Monday to Sunday, 10:00 to 24:00. On New Year's Eve, from the end of permitted hours until 02:00 on New Year's Day.
  • Hours open to the public: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 to 00:30. On New Year's Eve, from the end of permitted hours until 02:30 on New Year's Day.

A map showing the location of Rump Steak at 136 Lancaster Road, W11 1QU, and surrounding areas.
A map showing the location of Rump Steak at 136 Lancaster Road, W11 1QU, and surrounding areas.

Further conditions agreed upon include the requirement for alcohol to be served to seated customers with substantial food available, off-sales to be in sealed containers, and robust waste management protocols. A comprehensive CCTV system, an incident log, and staff training on the Licensing Act 2003 are also mandated. Additionally, a policy for the welfare and safeguarding of vulnerable patrons and a 'Challenge 25' age verification policy will be implemented.

Specific conditions attached to the licence include:

  • External Seating: Use of the external seating area will be restricted, with specific hours to be determined. Objectors noted that council policy generally limits such areas to operate no later than 22:00, with last orders before 21:30.
  • Dispersal Policy: A written dispersal policy is mandated to manage customer departure and minimise noise disturbance to residents. Objectors stressed the need for active staff management of customer departures, rather than relying solely on signage.
  • Capacity Limit: The overall capacity of the premises will be limited. The applicant anticipates a maximum of approximately 50 internal covers and up to 16 in the external area at the front. Objectors highlighted the absence of a capacity condition as a missed safety mechanism.
  • New Year's Eve: Non-standard hours for New Year's Eve were granted with enhanced conditions, including the potential requirement for SIA-licensed door supervisors and a restriction on last admissions. The applicant agreed to this condition, stating it was a prerequisite for operating after midnight on New Year's Eve.
  • Waste Management: Conditions were imposed to ensure proper waste disposal and prevent nuisance.
  • CCTV: A comprehensive CCTV system is required, with recordings to be stored for a minimum of 31 days and made available to the police upon request.
  • Incident Log: An incident log will be maintained and made available for inspection.
  • Noise and Smells: Conditions are included to prevent noise and smells from causing a nuisance to neighbouring properties.
  • Staff Training: All staff involved in selling alcohol will receive regular training on the Licensing Act 2003.
  • Vulnerable Patrons: A policy for the welfare and safeguarding of vulnerable patrons will be implemented.
  • Challenge 25: A 'Challenge 25' age verification policy will be operated.

The full details of the licensing sub-committee's decision can be found in the Public reports pack for the meeting on July 23, 2026.