Central London Eatery Confronts Licence Review Following Immigration Breach
A prominent Central London restaurant is now confronting the potential revocation of its operating licence after a Home Office investigation uncovered the employment of an illegal worker. Sadaf Restaurant, located on Westbourne Grove in the Bayswater area, faces severe sanctions following a raid that revealed a foreign student working without the legal right to do so.
Repeated Immigration Enforcement Visits and Evasion Attempts
According to a detailed report presented to Westminster City Council, Immigration Enforcement Officers visited the Persian eatery in April 2025 after receiving specific intelligence. The information suggested that the business owners, who also operate a neighbouring premises, were deliberately hiring illegal workers to reduce labour costs and evade tax obligations.
This was not the first time authorities had attempted to inspect the establishment. The council document notes that officials had previously tried to gain access in December 2023 and again in September 2024, but were obstructed from entering by management on both occasions.
Discovery of Underpaid Student Worker and Subsequent Deportation
During the successful April visit, conducted jointly with Westminster City Council officers, three employees were present on the premises. One individual was identified as an "immigration offender". In interviews, this worker confessed to having been employed by Sadaf for approximately one year, working around 20 hours per week.
He received a monthly salary of £890, equating to roughly £11 per hour based on a 28-day working month. This rate falls below the National Minimum Wage of £12.21 for those aged 21 and over, and significantly under the London Living Wage of £14.80 per hour.
Home Office records confirmed the man had entered the UK on a student visa in January 2023. After several unsuccessful applications to extend his stay, he had overstayed his visa and was working illegally. He was subsequently deported to India on 1st May 2025.
Substantial Financial Penalty and Licensing Consequences
The restaurant's operating company, Persian Aroma Ltd, was issued a civil penalty of £45,000 in May 2025 for the breach of employment law. The company lodged a late objection to the fine, which was ultimately rejected. The substantial penalty remains unpaid and has now been passed to a debt collection agency.
The council report strongly criticises the restaurant's failure to conduct basic right-to-work checks, stating: "Whether by negligence or wilful blindness an illegal worker was engaged in activity on the premises, yet it is a simple process for an employer to ascertain what documents they should check before a person can work."
Imminent Decision on Restaurant's Future
Immigration Enforcement has formally requested that Westminster City Council revoke Sadaf Restaurant's licence. This application has received support from both the council's own licensing team and the Metropolitan Police. A crucial licence review hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, 4th February, where councillors will determine whether the establishment can continue to operate.
The case highlights the serious consequences businesses face for immigration law violations, particularly in the hospitality sector where right-to-work compliance is essential. The outcome of this week's hearing will determine whether this long-standing Bayswater restaurant remains open or faces permanent closure.
