Royal Albert Hall outdoor cafés ‘in poor taste’

Published: 20 August, 2010
by JAMIE WELHAM

ROYAL Albert Hall bosses last night (Thursday) looked set to be given the go-ahead for two new cafés outside the prestigious venue despite major opposition from nearby residents.

Westminster Council’s planning committee was expected to approve plans to place tables and chairs around the perimeter of the famous concert hall in Kensington Gore for the first time in its history.

Dozens of residents and members of neighbourhood group the Knightsbridge Association wrote to City Hall’s planning department urging them to reject the proposal.

They say placing modern tables and chairs outside the Grade-I listed building will detract from its character and say they fear noise will shatter the peace in the surrounding area.

The Corporation of the Hall of Arts and Science, who run the famous venue, are applying for seven tables, 23 chairs and two umbrellas in two separate locations at the north and south porches for a temporary period of six months from the end of August to replicate the success of al fresco dining at Somerset House. The building already houses 13 bars and three restaurants.

Adam Hilton, planning advisor to the Knightsbridge Association, said: “The Royal Albert Hall and its neighbouring buildings constitute one of the great set pieces of Victorian townscape. The form and nature of the proposals are equally alien to the original concept and would add to the clutter. 

“The impact is completely underestimated. For much of this period it would be too cold to use the outdoor café without heaters which no doubt the management would be tempted to add. The applicants point to the tables and chairs at Somerset House as a successful parallel. But Somerset House has nothing in common with the Albert Hall.”

Tim Leach, architect director for BDP, the firm representing the Royal Albert Hall, said: “The current provision of catering facilities is wholly inadequate. 

“The use of the tables and chairs will be limited to 9am to 9pm with the interval to an evening performance. 

“The tables and chairs are unlikely to have any significant impact on the numbers of people using the external space during this interval period.”

A report from City Hall licensing officers that went before the council’s planning committee stated: “The applicant advises that the Hall has a capacity of 5,500. The provision of an additional 46 seats will not unacceptably intensify the existing entertainment use. The aspiration of the Hall to enhance the quality and vitality of the public realm in the immediate setting of the hall is welcomed.

“Officers are mindful of the concerns of the Knightsbridge Association and neighbouring occupiers. It is considered, however, that whilst the proposal may not enhance the setting of the building, any harm caused by the external seating will be slight and only occur for part of the day. It is also considered that this limited harm will be offset at least in part by the benefit derived from providing sitting out facilities on the limited scale proposed within the setting of this venue of international importance.”