Arianna Trattoria Romana, which is to serve “authentic Roman flavours”, is taking on the former Gola site on Fulham Road
A new West London Italian restaurant has had its alcohol licence approved after agreeing to bar patrons from its garden to mitigate the impact on locals.
Arianna Trattoria Romana, which is taking on the former Gola site on Fulham Road, had scaled back its original application following a meeting with concerned residents.
The opening hours were amended so the restaurant would open at 11am rather than 7am, and a condition was added stating the garden would shut at 9pm.
At a Hammersmith and Fulham Council Licensing Sub-Committee meeting this week the applicant’s lawyer went further and proposed closing the garden to diners completely. Members agreed to approve the application alongside conditions already agreed with the Met Police, plus the removal of access to the garden.
On its website Arianna Trattoria Romana states it will be serving up “authentic Roman flavours”.
The proposal received 10 objections during consultation, one of which was later withdrawn.
Key concerns raised in the submissions were the noise from the outdoor area on residents living nearby, the music played from the restaurant and the initial proposed 7am alcohol sales.
One objection reads: “As a resident living directly above the outdoor area, I am particularly concerned that the patio will become a focal point for noise, especially during warmer months when doors and windows are open and when residents would reasonably expect to use their own terraces peacefully.”
Another objector wrote: “When the use of the garden was temporarily granted during Covid, I could not open my only bedroom window due to the noise and the smell (not to comment on the filthy state of the garden) and started having panic attacks as I was confined to my bedroom without the possibility to open the window and with the fear that someone could climb the stairs and invade my privacy.”
PC Charlotte Bennett, of the Met Police, did not object in her representation though did outline a series of conditions agreed with the applicant. These included that all alcohol must be drunk by a seated customer and that high definition CCTV be installed.
The applicant, through their lawyers, proposed some further conditions, before inviting those objecting to the restaurant to discuss its operations.
“We want to reassure you that that [sic] we will work hard to be a good neighbour,” they wrote. “Our solicitor will be there at the meeting to help identify any issues and suggest potential wording or conditions that might be added to the licence, if appropriate.”
Following this further amendments to the application were proposed, including the changes to opening hours.
The meeting was attended by four residents all of whom reiterated their concerns about noise and smell, particularly from the rear garden.
One of the residents, Marzia Gerbi, said during Covid the use of the garden by the previous occupants meant she was confined to her bedroom, with the noise and smell preventing her from opening her window.
“I was deprived of my freedom, of my privacy, I started having panic attacks, anxiety,” she told members. “I had mental issues, I didn’t want to leave the house, and I felt very, very unsafe.”
Gerado Aprovitolo, the restaurant’s legal counsel, said his client wants to be a “joyful addition” to the neighbourhood, and that he had been given authority to withdraw the requested access to the garden.
“My client would have loved to have used the garden, but if it was to have such a solid impact on [the residents] I have the authority. If this is enough for us to coexist I have the authority to give up the use of the garden.”
This appeared to address the majority of the concerns raised, with all of the residents present praising the offer.
One, Marco Mogini, said some lesser doubts remained, such as the potential increases in noise and the smell from the restaurant directly, though did thank Mr Aprovitolo for the proposal.
Ms Gerbi in her summing up concurred, telling the sub-committee she was “very, very grateful”.
Members agreed to grant the licence enabling alcohol to be sold until 11am seven days a week, alongside conditions including that a sign be put up reminding patrons to leave quietly and that music played indoors shall be limited to a background level.
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