Pub giant JD Wetherspoon has been given the green light to open a major new venue in the heart of London, directly beside one of the capital's key transport hubs. Westminster City Council's Licensing Committee has granted the chain a licence to operate a pub at a site on The Strand, adjacent to Charing Cross Station.
Final Hurdle Cleared After Planning Appeal
This licensing decision represents the final major obstacle for the company, which had previously won a crucial planning appeal. The application to use the upper and lower ground floors of the site – formerly a retail unit and café – as a pub serving food was initially refused by Westminster City Council in April 2024.
However, in June, Wetherspoon successfully appealed to the Planning Inspectorate. The inspectorate concluded there were no "material considerations" that should prevent the site from being used as a pub, overturning the council's original decision.
Operating Hours and Key Conditions
The newly licensed pub will be permitted to trade until 11pm from Monday to Friday, and until midnight on Saturdays. On Sundays, it must close to the public by 10.30pm. The venue is designed to hold up to 320 customers and will function as a traditional JD Wetherspoon establishment, meaning it will not play music or host similar entertainment.
In response to objections from local residents, a series of strict conditions have been imposed on the operation:
- Entry and exit will be via the Charing Cross Station forecourt only. The Craven Street entrance is reserved solely as a fire escape.
- No outside consumption of food or drink will be allowed, and no external tables or chairs are permitted.
- Off-sales of alcohol or food are prohibited.
- For the first six weeks after opening, security staff (bouncers) must be on duty whenever the pub is open. After this period, a minimum of two bouncers must be present after 6pm.
- Waste collections and deliveries are banned between 8pm and 8am.
Addressing Resident Concerns Over Anti-Social Behaviour
The licence approval did not come without significant local opposition. Objectors argued that the area already suffers from crime and anti-social behaviour linked to other licensed premises. They reported issues including late-night drunken noise, property damage, littering, and public urination and defecation on private doorsteps.
To mitigate these concerns, further conditions were added. When security staff are not on duty based on risk assessments, a manager must be stationed at the entrance to greet customers and prevent drinks from being taken outside. Signs will also be displayed in any designated smoking area, urging patrons to be quiet and respect local residents.
The council and the chain believe the pub's location directly next to a major national rail and Tube station will aid in the swift dispersal of customers at closing time, potentially reducing street-level disturbances. The new venue will join other central Wetherspoon pubs operating under similar conditions, such as The Montagu Pyke on Charing Cross Road and The Moon Under Water in Leicester Square.
