Soul-inspired brasserie refused 'nightclub' hours

Byron Senior, owner of Bojangles, in Old Church Road, Chingford, applied to extend its licence in April, which would have seen the venue stay open later than any other bar in Chingford. 

The venue, known to many as the former Prince Albert Pub, has had a historic reputation for violence and under-age drinking under various owners, but police have not been called to the venue since Mr Senior took over.  

He spent six months renovating the venue with VIP booths and crystal-studded walls before opening it in August as a high-end brasserie offering cocktails and traditional U.S.and Caribbean dishes. 

Within two months, he closed the venue after admitting that he "lacked the experience" to make it work, and has since been renting it out for private functions on a temporary late licence of 4am and 5am. 

He wanted to extend his 2am licence to make the business more financially viable by offering customers a three-course meal, live entertainment and dancing all in one night as part of a dinner-and-dance package.  

He described it as a "chance to really put on Chingford on a map" but was met with criticism from New Road resident Zena Downing-Butler, 63, who argued later hours would disturb the neighbourhood. 

The venue has only been open for private hire since October

At yesterday's hearing, he told Waltham Forest council's licensing committee how he had opened past 2am on more than a dozen occasions without any problems and said any issues by neighbours had not been brought to his attention until the bid was submitted. 

His application to open until 3am during the week and 5am on Friday and Saturday was revised after meeting with PC Donna Wilcox of Waltham Forest police's Licensing Team. 

He agreed to amend the opening times to 1am on Monday to Thursday, 2am on Sunday and 4am on Friday and Saturday, but refused the police's request to operate Clubscan and asked to remove a 1am condition for last entry. 

When quizzed by Larkswood ward councillor John Moss on the 30 car parking spaces above Iceland that Mr Senior said he had secured to alleviate issues, he admitted he did not have a signed legal agreement with the landlord.   

The council's licensing officer Marc Witham, environmental health officer Jennie Howard and PC Wilcox all argued if the extended hours were granted, it would "become a destination venue in the north of the borough". 

Summing up cllr Nadeem Ali, said: "This application is of concern to some local residents who fear nuisance, noise and increased anti-social behaviour in the area.

"Police are concerned, if granted, this would become a destination venue north of the borough and would potentially increase crime and disorder. 

"The proposals the owner has suggested to promote the licensing objectives are vague and there are issues that have not been addressed such as little information on dispersal of customers and not agreeing to have Clubscan."  

Cllr Moss, who was representing residents in Brook Crescent and New Road, said: "I'm pleased that the committee recognise that this is suburban Chingford which isn't a suitable location for nightclub open until 5am."

Ms Downing-Butler said she was "very pleased the committee made the right decision."

Mr Senior said he will continue with plans to run Bojangles as a live entertainment venue until 2am at weekends.