Mayfair club Maison Estelle reopens with new restrictions

Maison Estelle, a private members' club located on Grafton Street in Mayfair, has been permitted to reopen after its alcohol licence was suspended in September. The suspension followed concerns raised by the Metropolitan Police regarding a public safety incident and potential associations with serious crime or disorder.

Westminster City Council's licensing committee reviewed the premises licence and decided not to revoke it. Instead, the club will operate under a series of strict new conditions for the next 12 months. The club was allowed to resume trading from Wednesday, November 4.

New Operating Conditions

For the initial week after reopening, Maison Estelle's operating hours are restricted to 11:30pm from Monday to Thursday, midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10:30pm on Sundays. These tighter controls will extend for the following 11 months, with licensable activities needing to conclude by 1am between Monday and Saturday. The venue must close by 1:30am on these days.

The Metropolitan Police had requested an urgent review of the club's licence, stating concerns that the venue was "associated with serious crime, or serious disorder, or both." While the specific details of the incident remain undisclosed, previous reports indicated that Scotland Yard was investigating a claim involving a weapon. The review hearing in October was conducted privately, with aspects of the discussion potentially relating to an ongoing police investigation.

A spokesperson for Westminster City Council stated that the sub-committee decided the venue should continue to operate but under strict conditions. "It imposed additional conditions to ensure that the necessary changes in conduct and practice are put in place so that the venue remains safe," the spokesperson said. The council confirmed that every decision is based on the evidence presented and what is necessary to uphold licensing objectives.

Maison Estelle, which occupies a Grade I-listed Georgian townhouse, had initially chosen to close voluntarily after receiving information from the police about the serious incident outside its premises. At the time of its closure, a spokesperson for the club stated that the safety of staff, members, and guests was paramount and that they were cooperating with the council and police.

Next Steps

The club will continue to operate under enhanced licensing controls for the next 12 months. These measures are designed to address the concerns raised by the Metropolitan Police and assure regulators that public safety can be maintained, while police inquiries continue.