The Sydenham venue was previously a deli and coffee shop which closed down in December 2025
A craft beer company will open its third bar and shop in South London after Lewisham Council approved changes to an existing premises licence on Tuesday (April 21).
Craft 26 Ltd, the company behind Craft Metropolis, submitted a Variation of Premises Licence Application for 26B Sydenham Road in February as it had taken over a venue that already had an alcohol licence.
Several changes had been proposed to the existing licence, including changing the venue’s name, changing the layout and amending licensable hours for the sale of alcohol on and off the premises.
Lewisham Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee approved the application during a meeting on Tuesday.
The venue had previously been a deli and coffee shop called Good Food however it was announced in December 2025 that it was closing down. Good Food has a branch in Catford which remains open.
Craft 26’s proposals received 10 responses, with three representations of support and seven objections.
Cllr Jack Lavery, who represents Sydenham Ward, where the venue is based, expressed his support for the application.
Others in support of the application said it would mean “one less empty unit on the local high street” and said existing venues in Penge and Brixton had a real community ethos to them.
Those who were against the proposals had concerns over the sale of alcohol until 11pm every day as well as concerns about how noise could impact residents living nearby during the evenings.
During this week’s meeting, Oliver Meade, Director of Craft 26, said: “We provide a safe, relaxed space to enjoy drinks and create a nice atmosphere. We’re a community-focused space, we’re open-minded and have numerous regulars.
“We don’t rely on transient footfall, we have to build our reputation on being a nice place and doing a nice thing and being able to supply a nice atmosphere; we’re not a pub or a rowdy bar.”
Mr Meade said he was “extremely willing” to work with residents who had raised objections, and with the council as well.
He said: “I want a place that is safe and happy and that I’m proud of. I don’t want people to be upset, I don’t want unhappy neighbours – I’m not in this to annoy anyone or get anyone’s back up.”
Mr Meade and the council’s licensing team agreed to add a condition which means customers won’t be allowed to temporarily leave to smoke at the front of the venue, and will instead be redirected to the designated smoking area at the back of the premises.
When it came to closing statements, Mr Meade told the committee: “I wouldn’t have chosen the location if I didn’t think it would work or be an addition. I think what we do is really great fun, a really good service and it makes loads of people really happy.”
The committee unanimously chose to grant the application.
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