A PUB is set for a “total reset” following an after-hours bar brawl stabbing.

The licence-holder of The Frankfort Arms in Harrow Road, Maida Hill, said he accepted it should “remain shut for a lengthy period” before reopening with a new name, management, and a potential ban on karaoke.

Police have criticised the management of the pub for “downplaying” a serious crime last month and also cleaning up a crime scene. They are still searching for a knifeman who entered the pub at 12.30am wearing a “green Russian-style hat” and stabbed a man who was admitted to St Mary’s Hospital A&E with serious injuries.

Pub regulars have pleaded with Westminster City Council not to punish them by permanently shutting the “community hub”, ahead of a licensing review decision next week.

But in a statement to the council this week, a director of the Craft Union Pub Company said an “extended period” of closure was needed, and added: “This will allow a ‘firebreak’ and give us time to identify a suitable management team. We will not rush to reopen this pub. It is vital we get the right people in… My intention is that if the premises are permitted to reopen, that they do so with a new name, management team, and shorter hours, without musical entertainment, and providing that safe community pub that some of those who have lodged representations wish to preserve.”

He said a package of conditions could include door staff to wear “body-worn video”, adding that “we would not contest a further suspension of the licence”.

The licence was suspended last month and the council is due to meet next week to decide whether to extend the temporary ban.

When police attended the pub on the night of the attack, May 17, they were told that just a “scuffle” had taken place, but no injuries were reported and all patrons had already left.

But around 20 minutes later, police received a call from staff at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, informing them a man had arrived with a stab wound to the thigh.

“No crime scene was put in place as the incident was significantly downplayed by the manager and security,” Metropolitan Police said in evidence to an initial licensing hearing on May 25. “They led officers to believe this was a minor scuffle, yet someone was stabbed and had their injuries treated by the manager.”

Some residents have called for the closure to be made permanent, but several regulars there have also called for the venue to be kept open to help fight against social isolation.

One Frankfort regular said: “I do not wish to see this pub lose its licence due to specific individuals spoiling a lifeline for others. Let’s face it, there are very few activities left at low cost, and local, that get people out of the home and cycle of isolation, or not congregating on street corners, but be in a controlled supervised environment. This is not only a pub but also seen as a community hub where the senior members of the community can support each other.”

The police statements showed that a man took himself to St Mary’s after being bandaged-up in the toilet by staff. They said two men – one wearing blue and the other in a “green Russian-style hat” – walked straight past bouncers before carrying out the attack.

A police report of the CCTV footage said: “One male can be seen producing a knife and stabbing the victim indiscriminately. The light can be seen reflecting off the metal of the blade. The two involved then flee quickly and once patrons have realised what had happened a mass exodus occurs from the venue with people spilling out onto the street.”

Further reports say the victim tried to defend himself with a large bottle from the bar, dodging an attempt to “slash across the face”. Security “backs away” before a “female customer picks up the bar stool and holds it in front of her”.

“I can only describe what takes place next as a brawl,” the report said.

The police report said: “I believe full closure of Frankfort Arms will have significant positive impact in wider communities, crimes and anti-social behaviour will significantly go down in the area.”

CCTV was reviewed following an original investigation police said was hamstrung by the reporting of the crime.

The Frankfort Arms was converted into a Craft Union pub in March 2019 and had a significant revamp in 2023. There has been a pub on the site since 1874.