The Licensing Sub Committee B of Islington Council met on 24 March 2026 to consider a new premises licence application for the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration. The committee granted the application, subject to numerous conditions, after hearing extensive evidence and representations from residents and the applicant.

Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, 1 Myddelton Passage, London EC1R 1AG - New Licence Application

Licensing Sub-Committee B granted a new premises licence for the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, located at 1 Myddelton Passage, London EC1R 1AG, following a detailed consideration of objections and submissions. The application sought permission for a wide range of licensable activities, including plays, films, live and recorded music, dance, the supply of alcohol (on and off-premises), and general opening hours from 08:00 to 22:30, seven days a week.

Numerous local residents formally objected to the application, primarily on the grounds of the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of residential amenity. Concerns were raised about noise pollution, particularly from the outdoor terrace and during dispersal after events, the cumulative impact of daily activities in a quiet residential area, and the potential for increased anti-social behaviour associated with alcohol sales. Residents highlighted the urban canyon effect of Myddelton Passage, where sound is amplified, and the proximity of their homes and gardens to the proposed venue. They argued that the proposed hours and activities were incompatible with the residential character of the area and undermined previous planning consents that had limited the frequency and nature of events.

The applicant, the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, presented itself as a charitable organisation focused on illustration and cultural activities. They explained that the licence was necessary to generate income to support their charitable functions through occasional private hires and evening events. The applicant emphasised that they were bound by significant restrictions in their planning consent, limiting private hires to 24 per year, with specific caps on weekly and monthly events, and that the terrace use was also restricted. They detailed a comprehensive operational management plan, including a soft-close procedure, staggered dispersal, SIA-licensed security staff for larger events, designated pick-up points for taxis, and strict controls on music levels and outdoor activities. They also highlighted that amplified music would only be permitted indoors and that outdoor music would be limited to weekends between 10:00 and 18:00 in a designated area, with no music on the terrace or in the studio garden. Alcohol off-sales were to be limited to sealed, branded gift products sold from the shop during daytime hours.

The Sub-Committee noted that the Metropolitan Police and the Council's Noise Team had withdrawn their objections after agreeing to robust conditions. The Sub-Committee found that the applicant had demonstrated an understanding of residents' concerns and a willingness to adapt their operations, including amending dispersal arrangements and implementing strict noise mitigation measures. They concluded that the operating schedule was detailed and proportionate, and that the premises met the exceptions to the Clerkenwell Cumulative Impact Area policy, demonstrating no negative cumulative impact on the licensing objectives.

The licence was granted with conditions detailed on pages 114-116 of the agenda pack, with condition 20 amended to strengthen dispersal arrangements. This included encouraging the use of the Amwell Street exit as the primary route for evening departures and deploying additional staff to monitor Myddelton Passage during nighttime egress. The Sub-Committee found that these conditions, along with the applicant's operating schedule, promoted the licensing objectives and rebutted the presumption under Licensing Policy 3.

The meeting concluded at 8:45 pm.