Manzi’s restaurant faces objections over fears of ‘noise and disruption’

AN upmarket hotel in Soho has urged councillors not to grant an extended alcohol licence to a new seafood restaurant amid fears that late-night noise will disturb its guests.

Paperwork published on Westminster City Council’s licensing website shows that Manzi’s, part of the Wolseley Group, is facing objections to its application covering its operation in the Bateman Buildings, close to Soho Square.

The restaurant opened earlier this year and has been an instant hit among fans of such dishes as monkfish Wellington, roast scallops and Cioppino fish stew.

Councillors must decide on Thursday, however, whether to approve a licence request which would lead to a 1am finish on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

This has led to a collision course with a nearby hotel, which is unnamed in Westminster’s official documents but says it discreetly provides rooms to a “word-of-mouth” clientele at rates of up to £1,000 a night.

Its letter of objection said: “Our client base is from the world of media, art and entertainment and although we are very discreet about who stays, we can share that we have a guest list of major celebrities.”

The message went on to say that the owners had “real concerns about the level of noise and disruption this will cause to our guests and business”.

This included potential for chatting customers and end of the night furniture stacking”.

It said the hotel had already invested in secondary glazing and had been happy that the alleyway had been brightened up from its previous dirty state, but a late licence for Manzi’s was a risk to its operation.

It is not the only objection that councillors will consider when they meet next week.

Familiar concerns have been filed by residents who say that Soho already has enough late places to eat and drink.

“Enough is enough,” said another letter opposing the later hours.

“Every premise has an alcohol licence around here and those not already opening beyond normal licence hours are seeking later licences. Is drinking really the only business that this part of Soho can offer?”

Manzi’s got up and running in July with singer Billie Piper among the guests at the launch party.

It is seen as a tribute revival to the famous Manzi’s fish restaurant in Chinatown which opened in the 1920s and was a foodie fixture until the mid-2000s.

Ahead of the licensing meeting, Manzi’s have told the city council that policies will be in place to prevent neighbours being disturbed.“All windows and external doors will be kept closed after 11pm or at any time when regulated entertainment takes place, except for immediate access and egress of the persons,” its application said

“There will be signs at the premises requesting customers to leave quietly.”