London Cocktail Club's New 'Speak Easy' Bar Seeks Extended Hours Until 2am on Weekends
London Cocktail Club has unveiled a new "speak easy" style bar in the heart of Fitzrovia, rebranded as Hidden Society, which is now applying to stay open until 2am over the weekend. According to the licensing application submitted to Westminster City Council, this venue aims to provide customers with a "more elevated" drinking experience, marking a significant shift from its previous operating hours.
Resident Objections and Licensing Committee Hearing
Objections to the application were discussed at a Westminster City Council Licensing Sub Committee meeting on March 26, 2026. In written reports, Fitzrovia locals living near the basement bar expressed serious concerns over Hidden Society's proximity to residential properties and issues with smokers "congregating" outside their doors. A spokesperson for the group stated that smokers tend to concentrate in the area right outside their homes, forcing residents to keep windows shut even during hot weather, and they oppose the extension due to potential public nuisance.
Another objection came from the Charlotte Street Association, whose spokesperson argued that the later hours would "give rise to an increase in public nuisance", negatively affecting nearby residents in what is primarily a residential area around Goodge Street. They highlighted that noise from patrons attending and leaving the premises in the early hours could undermine the amenity of residents.
Proposed New Hours and Conditions
If approved, Hidden Society would operate under the following new hours:
- Close at 1am from Monday to Wednesday
- Close at 2am from Thursday to Saturday
- Close at 12am on Sunday
- Operate all night on New Year's Eve
This represents a notable extension from its previous schedule, which had closing times of 11.30pm from Monday to Thursday, 12am from Friday to Saturday, and 10.30pm on Sunday. Alcohol sales would conclude half an hour before general closing time.
Mitigation Measures and Additional Proposals
The applicant claims that the rebranded venue offers an "elevated service" with a capacity for 80 people, featuring ambient music to help mediate noise concerns. They argue that extended opening times would allow for better control over customer exits. In response to concerns, councillors have proposed an additional condition of a 12.30am cut-off time for last entry.
While the Metropolitan Police made no representations or objections, the Environmental Health team at Westminster agreed to several new conditions with the applicant, though they did not support the requested hours. Proposed conditions include ensuring smokers do so in an orderly fashion without obstructing the public highway.
Enhanced Licensing Conditions
The new licensing conditions proposed to support the extended hours include:
- A minimum of one SIA-licensed door supervisor from 9pm until close Thursday through Saturday
- Providing nearby residents with a direct phone line to the premises for improved communication
- A strict no-entry policy for under 18s
- A comprehensive CCTV system
- Staff trained in welfare and the Ask Angela policy
- Implementing a comprehensive dispersal policy to ensure patrons behave responsibly when leaving
A decision on the application is expected within approximately five working days of the Licensing Sub Committee meeting, which will determine whether Hidden Society can proceed with its plans for later weekend hours.
