Paddington rooftop bar approved after Met Police drops crime concerns

A new Italian restaurant and rooftop bar will open in Paddington Square next month after Westminster City Council approved its premises licence. Torino, located in the glass-fronted ‘cube’ near Paddington Station, secured permission to operate from 10am to 11pm daily, with extended hours for Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Police objection withdrawn after conditions agreed

The Met Police initially opposed the application, warning it could undermine crime prevention. The force withdrew its objection after Torino agreed to serve alcohol only via waitstaff. Westminster City Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee approved the licence at a meeting this week, with no remaining objections on record.

Two local amenity groups, the South East Bayswater Residents’ Association (SEBRA) and the Paddington Waterways and Maida Vale Society (PWMVS), had also raised concerns. Both groups sought conditions to prevent noise and restrict the roof terrace from being used as a smoking area. SEBRA’s submission stated no noise should emanate from the premises.

Richard Brown, a solicitor at Westminster Citizens Advice representing the groups, told the committee their objections had been withdrawn after reaching agreements on conditions. However, the withdrawal was only communicated within 24 hours of the meeting, meaning it was not formally recorded in the council’s paperwork.

Opening set for September

Torino’s owners described the venue as a contemporary, multi-use space catering to local residents, office workers, commuters and tourists. The restaurant will occupy the ground and first floors, with the rooftop bar on the second floor. Paddington Square, which opened last year, already hosts Wahaca, Joe & The Juice, Gail’s and clothing retailer Crew.

The council’s decision means Torino can proceed with its September opening, as announced on its Instagram page. The licence permits alcohol sales from 10am to 11pm daily, with a later closing time of 1.30am on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

What happens next

Torino is expected to open in September, with no further regulatory hurdles for the premises licence. Residents can monitor future licensing applications or changes via Westminster City Council’s Public Notice Portal. The council has not announced any additional reviews of the venue’s operating conditions.