Torino, a new Italian restaurant and rooftop bar, is set to open in Paddington Square, the glass shopping complex next to Paddington Station, in September. The venue, which will operate across three floors, received its premises licence from Westminster City Council this week after all objections were withdrawn.
Licensing application approved
Torino had applied for a licence to run a bistro on the ground floor, a restaurant on the first floor, and a rooftop bar on the second floor of Paddington Square, a large glass block that opened in 2024. The square already hosts brands such as Wahaca, Joe & The Juice, and Gail’s, as well as clothing outlets like Crew.
The application sought opening hours from 6am to 11.30pm seven days a week, with licensable activities from 10am to 11pm. Extended hours were requested for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, with a closing time of 1.30am.
Objections withdrawn
The Metropolitan Police initially objected to the proposal, citing concerns that it would undermine the prevention of crime and disorder. However, the objection was withdrawn after additional conditions were agreed, including that the supply of alcohol be by waiter or waitress only.
Two local amenity groups, the South East Bayswater Residents’ Association (SEBRA) and the Paddington Waterways and Maida Vale Society (PWMVS), also made representations. SEBRA listed conditions it wanted added to any licence, such as no noise emanating from the premises and the roof terrace not being used as a smoking area. PWMVS mirrored these requests, stating in its submission: “Our representation is made on the basis that the likely impact of the application, if granted as applied for, would be to harm the licensing objectives, particularly that of prevention of public nuisance and prevention of crime and disorder.”
Support from Torino
In a supporting document, Torino’s owners said the premises would align with “Westminster’s vision for a vibrant, sustainable and well-managed city centre environment.” They added: “Collectively, the premises operates as a contemporary, multi-use venue that responds to the evolving character of Paddington as a key transport, business and leisure hub. The anticipated customer base reflects this diversity, comprising local residents, office workers, commuters passing through Paddington station, and tourists engaging with the wider West End.”
At a Westminster City Council Licensing Sub-Committee meeting this week, Richard Brown, a solicitor at Westminster Citizens Advice representing the amenity groups, said their representations had also been withdrawn. This was communicated within 24 hours of the meeting, so it was not officially registered. Brown said his clients wished the applicant well and that agreements had been reached on a number of conditions.
With no remaining objections, the Sub-Committee resolved to approve the licence. Torino has a limited online footprint, but an Instagram page connected to the restaurant indicates it is due to open in September.
