The Westminster City Council Licensing Sub-Committee met on Tuesday 17 March 2026 to consider an expedited review of the premises licence for Food Works, located at 51 Strutton Ground, London, SW1P 2HY. The Metropolitan Police Service applied for the review due to concerns that the premises are associated with serious crime. As a result of the serious nature of the allegations and an ongoing criminal investigation, the committee agreed to hold the hearing in private. The subcommittee decided to suspend the licence for Food Works pending a full review.

Food Works Premises Licence Review

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered an application by the Metropolitan Police Service for an expedited review of the premises licence for Food Works, located at 51 Strutton Ground, London, SW1P 2HY. The police applied under Section 53A of the Licensing Act 2003¹, citing concerns that the premises are associated with serious crime.

The meeting was held in private session at the request of the Metropolitan Police, who argued that a public hearing could prejudice an ongoing criminal investigation. The committee, chaired by Councillor Angela Piddock and including Councillors Judith Southern and Karen Scarborough, agreed to this request.

The police presented evidence detailing an incident on 17 February 2026, where a male was reportedly attacked in the street near the premises. CCTV footage reviewed by PC Steve Muldoon of the Metropolitan Police showed an unprovoked assault on the victim, who was struck multiple times with a metal bar or crutch. The victim sustained GBH (Grievous Bodily Harm) level injuries and required hospital treatment. The investigation into this assault is ongoing.

Furthermore, the police highlighted that the premises' CCTV system appeared to have been tampered with, as it was reportedly broken but footage only began from the day after the assault. Staff at Food Works were unable to provide evidence of repair arrangements. The police also noted breaches of licence conditions, specifically relating to the CCTV system's operability and the maintenance of an incident log.

Given the seriousness of the assault, the alleged deception regarding CCTV, and the perceived inability of the premises to uphold licensing objectives, the Metropolitan Police requested the suspension of the licence pending a full review.

The subcommittee decided to suspend the premises licence for Food Works. This decision was made to promote the licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of crime and disorder, and to protect the public. The licence holder, Mr Yilmaz Akcadag, was supported by Devon Raj at the hearing.