Lantern, England’s Lane new restaurant, in battle for live music
Neighbours voice late-night disturbance concerns
Published: 25th November, 2010
by JOSIE HINTON
THE couple behind a new restaurant will learn tonight (Thursday) if their bid to serve alcohol and host live music will be given the go-ahead after strong protests from neighbours.
Yolandie and Clifford Harrop opened European-style venue Lantern, in England’s Lane, Belsize Park, on Friday. After living in Parkhill Road for five years, they say their dream is for a “community” restaurant open to “man, child and beast”. The couple say they would like to have classical acoustic guitar performers to entertain customers “every so often”.
But their application to serve alcohol until 11pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and to host live music has sparked protest from residents who fear it will disrupt their quiet street. Camden Council has received a total of 18 objections to the plans.
Kieran Proffer, of Antrim Mansions, said: “These premises have never been licensed before and are on the corner of Antrim Road, which has a lot of elderly residents and is opposite a hostel for mothers and young children. The increase in noise late at night will disturb both these sets of people.”
Andrew Leung, also of Antrim Mansions, added: “My concern is that patrons may spill on to the pavement on busy nights, and smokers will do the same. Inebriated patrons may engage in disruptive or aggressive behaviour which could lead to public disorder.”
And Paul Warner, of Chalcot Gardens, said: “All the premises along this part of the parade are closed by 8pm on a week day. It will impact on the quiet enjoyment for the residential neighbourhood.”
But Mrs Harrop, who has worked in the food industry for 12 years, insisted they had received a positive response from many residents.
She said: “We are a small establishment with just 30 covers and no provision for vertical drinking whatsoever. We’ve been open since Friday and everyone who has come so far has given really positive feedback.”
Mr Harrop added: “We know that noise is the bane of modern day London and we’ve spent a fortune on the best technology to dampen it. But we are not a pub. We are a family-friendly, dog-friendly, restaurant but you can also pop in just for coffee. We’re not trying to make a fast buck.”
The council’s licensing panel will consider the application at 7pm at the Town Hall.