Mary restaurant, a new trattoria-style Italian eatery on Hollywood Road in Chelsea, has been granted a licence to operate daily from midday, with alcohol sales permitted only through table service. The decision was made by the Kensington and Chelsea Licensing Sub-Committee after a hearing where the manager emphasised the venue's family-focused ethos.
Manager's vision: simple food and regulars
Luca Aloisi, who will manage the restaurant, told the sub-committee that Mary would be a "very simple family restaurant" with an emphasis on "simple food, focus on family [and] neighbours." He added, "We would like to build up our regular clientele."
Aloisi, who said this is his first restaurant, has over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry. The venue will span two floors and include a rear garden, offering a relaxed neighbourhood dining atmosphere.
Licensing details and conditions
The licence permits operation from 12pm to 11pm Sunday through Thursday, and from 12pm to 11.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Alcohol sales will end at the same times as service each day.
To address public concerns, several conditions were attached to the licence. These include a requirement that alcohol be sold only via table service and that the rear garden be cleared of customers after 9.30pm in the evening.
Community response and support
Residents' group The Bolton Association had supported Aloisi's application in the run-up to the hearing, though it withdrew its original representation before the meeting. Two other objections were also withdrawn, but three representations with concerns remained at the time of the hearing.
Despite the remaining objections, the licence was granted with the conditions designed to mitigate the issues raised by the public. The restaurant is expected to contribute to the local dining scene, focusing on building a loyal customer base among Chelsea residents and neighbours.
