The Licensing Sub-Committee of Kensington and Chelsea Council met on Thursday 18 June 2026 to consider an application to vary the premises licence for Walton Cafe, located at 48 Walton Street, SW3 1RB. The committee heard representations from both objectors and supporters of the application before retiring to make its decision.

Application to Vary Premises Licence for Walton Cafe

The primary focus of the meeting was an application by Mr Dritan Cerri, the owner of Walton Cafe, to vary its premises licence. The proposed variations included extending the terminal hour for the sale of alcohol both on and off the premises, introducing late-night refreshment hours indoors, and amending a condition related to the use of external seating areas.

Proposed Changes:

• Sale of Alcohol:
  • On and Off the Premises: Monday to Saturday from 11:00 to 23:30 (currently 21:30), and Sunday from 11:00 to 22:30 (currently 20:00).
• Late Night Refreshment (Indoors): Monday to Saturday from 23:00 to midnight (new activity).
• Premises Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday until midnight (currently 22:00), and Sunday until 23:00 (currently 20:30).
• External Seating (Condition 19): The area is to be kept clear of customers from 22:00 to 08:00 (currently 20:30 to 08:00).

Representations from Objectors:

A significant number of objections were lodged by local residents and organisations, including Councillor Mary Weale and The Knightsbridge Association. Key concerns raised by objectors included:

• Prevention of Public Nuisance: Concerns were raised about increased noise and disturbance from extended hours, particularly from customers leaving late at night, smoking, and the clearing of outdoor furniture. The residential nature of this end of Walton Street and its acoustic reverberation were highlighted as reasons for caution.
• History of Non-Compliance: Objectors cited a history of alleged breaches of existing licence conditions by the applicant, including the use of outside spaces beyond permitted hours and loud music.
• Precedent Setting: Concerns were expressed that granting the application would set an unwelcome precedent for other businesses on this predominantly residential street.
• Public Safety: Issues were raised about pavement congestion caused by outdoor seating, potentially posing a safety risk to pedestrians.
• Change in Business Nature: Some objectors feared the expansion and refurbishment programme, combined with the requested extended hours, indicated a shift towards a late-night bar or nightclub operation, which they deemed inappropriate for the area.

Mr Lakshman Menon, representing the Knightsbridge Association, detailed numerous alleged violations of the licence terms over the past four years, including incidents on 20 October 2023, 4 May 2024, and 28 June 2024. He also referred to a residents' meeting on 28 October 2025, which he described as a complete ambush.

Mr. Menon and Mr. Rickards, who live in the same premises, confirmed that they had made several complaints against the applicant.

Flaminia Gonzalez-Barba, a direct neighbour, stated that the current conditions had already made her family home utterly unsuitable and that she had been forced to move out for periods due to noise, smoke, and disturbance. She expressed concern that the proposed extensions would fundamentally undermine her family's right to the peaceful enjoyment of their home.

Representations from Supporters:

A substantial number of representations were received in support of the application. Supporters described Walton Cafe as a calm, welcoming, and family-friendly environment that operates respectfully towards its neighbours. Key points raised by supporters included:

• Positive Community Contribution: Walton Cafe was described as a valued part of the community, a place where people of all backgrounds can gather.
• Responsible Operation: Supporters attested to the responsible service of alcohol, with customers remaining seated and no instances of disorder or anti-social behaviour witnessed.
• Food-Led Business: Many noted that the cafe operates primarily as a food-led establishment, with alcohol served ancillary to meals.
• Staff Attentiveness: The owners and staff were consistently praised for being attentive, courteous, and invested in the neighbourhood.
• Safety and Support: One supporter recounted an incident where the cafe staff provided safety and support during a distressing situation.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The premises was frequently described as a safe and welcoming place for families and children.
• Comparison to Other Venues: Some supporters noted that Walton Cafe's operation was quieter and more considerate than other nearby hospitality venues.

Ms. Berkley, a resident living approximately 30-40 meters away, stated she had never experienced any disturbance from the cafe despite visiting frequently. She also believed the cafe's operation was not indicative of a late-night drinking establishment.

Conditions and Discussion:

The committee discussed potential conditions to mitigate concerns, including an external management and dispersal plan, and agreed to consider proposed wording for condition 19 regarding the external seating area. There was a discussion about the cessation time for alcohol service in external areas, with objectors suggesting 20:30 and supporters favouring later times. The applicants indicated amenability to amending conditions, such as closing the door to the restaurant earlier for private events.

The meeting concluded with the committee retiring to make its decision, which would be issued within five working days.