A NIGHTCLUB is back in business less than a week after the council shut it down.

Essex House, a Chingford nightclub dubbed the “place to be” by its owner, was handed its license back at a council hearing in Walthamstow Town Hall today (April 27).

It follows the council’s shock move on Saturday (April 21), to order the club’s closure after an assault which left a man with “significant head injuries”.

The events unfolded in the early of hours of Easter Monday (April 17), when a fight between two groups of revellers broke out.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Essex House owners: Scott Cummings and David King

In the commotion, the victim alleges he was offered drugs by the suspect before being punched and kicked to the floor.

At this point, he said bouncers dragged him out the rear fire escape into the alleyway, where there is no CCTV, and stole his Rolex watch.

At today’s hearing, owner David King, with his legal team beside him, admitted the incident was a “serious one”.

Mr King then put forward three conditions to persuade the council to lift its suspended license before a full review planned for next May.

In a U-turn from the extension agreement made in October, Mr King proposed to change the club’s 2am Friday and Saturday license back to 1am.

He also promised replace the club’s current door company and personally preside over Essex House from 9pm until the club closes on Fridays and Saturdays.

Within 15 minutes the council agreed to the conditions and granted the club back its license.

A representative from the Metropolitan Police said they “are happy we with the conditions” and supported the club's reopening.