A former Abbey Road restaurant shut after it was firebombed and targeted by gunmen has been granted a premises licence, paving the way for it to be reopened as a pub.
Previously an up-market sushi restaurant called Monak, the venue is to be renamed The Salt House and restored as a “traditional public house”.
The applicant, Calaviation Ltd, was approached for comment but had not responded at the time of publication.
The premises was closed after having its licence revoked in 2023 following the firebombing, having also been hit by a drive-by shooting the year before.
Westminster City Council pulled the licence with the Met Police saying at the time it was “sheer luck” no customers were killed or seriously injured.
The new application, which went before the council’s Licensing Sub-Committee on August 14, read: “The Salt House in St. John’s Wood will be undergoing a loving restoration to turn it back into a traditional public house including a significant food offering – think seasonal roast dinners, proper pies, and comforting food, done well.”
It added the pub will present a “welcoming atmosphere” with the applicant having experience managing venues such as The Newman Arms in Fitzrovia and The White Bear in Knutsford.
The Met Police and the St John’s Wood Society had initially objected, though both withdrew their opposition after agreeing a number of conditions with the applicant.
The submission received a number of letters backing the plans, with one person writing they “warmly support their application for a premises licence”.
At the hearing the applicant’s legal counsel, Nathaniel Gadsby of TV Edwards, said: “My clients are very grateful for the considerable support expressed in many of the representations. My clients have spoken with many local residents who are delighted The Salt House will be restored into a thriving local pub run by an experienced and professional team with a track record of success.”
Cllr Patrick Lilley, a Labour member on the Licensing Sub-Committee, said: “I think it’s very constructive your engagement with local residents and your willingness to listen and I think that’s the foundation of a very healthy relationship in the area.”
A decision has since been published by Westminster City Council granting permission for The Salt House to sell alcohol until 11pm Monday to Thursday, 11.30pm Fridays and Saturdays and 10pm on Sundays.
Its opening times will be until 11.30pm Monday to Thursday, midnight Fridays and Saturdays and 10.30pm Sundays.
A total of 36 conditions are also attached, including that the premises holder will not serve hot food or hot drinks in the outside areas after 10pm and that it shall not permit the use of shisha.
Cllr Caroline Sargent, Deputy Leader of the Conservative opposition and a representative of the Abbey Road ward who was at the meeting, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “We campaigned hard with local people and the St John’s Wood Society to get a police-led review of the previous licence following the horrific crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) associated with the Monak venue.
“This fully updated licence for the new The Salt House shows how local communities can work together with premises operators, and the police to get appropriate and proportionate conditions attached that allow pubs to run a viable and responsible business while protecting residents. We wish them all the best.”
Ben Lynch is a Local Democracy Reporter covering the City of London, Hammersmith & Fulham, Westminster, and Kensington and Chelsea. A former contributor to Harrow Online, he reports on local government, housing, planning, transport and issues affecting communities across London.
