A Kingston venue, which was granted an alcohol licence after assurances it would operate as a café and small events space, is facing a formal review amid concerns it has transformed into a nightclub-style operation.

The Secret Garden, situated in the basement of the former John Bunyan Baptist Church on Queen Elizabeth Road, will have its premises licence reviewed by Kingston Council on Tuesday, November 17.

The review follows concerns that the venue, which has also been promoted as the 'Loud Lounge', has departed significantly from the operation described when its alcohol licence was originally granted in October 2025, according to Cllr James Giles who submitted the review application.

At that hearing, the operator told councillors the venue would primarily operate as a coffee shop, with occasional comedy evenings, jazz nights and private events.

The applicant, Danny McLaren, assured the committee that the premises would not operate as a nightclub, with a maximum capacity of approximately 60 people and an expected attendance of no more than 40.

However, according to Cllr Giles, promotional material subsequently emerged advertising the venue as a members' basement club, offering house, UK garage and other electronic music events, with a stated capacity of 120 people.

Cllr Giles, who chaired the original licensing hearing, submitted the formal review application on September 30.

In his application, Cllr Giles said the apparent change in the venue's operation raised significant questions about public safety and the prevention of public nuisance.

He argued that the original licence had been granted on the basis of specific assurances about the nature and scale of the business.

The review application states that a nightclub-style venue accommodating up to 120 people presents potentially different risks from a small café and events space, particularly concerning noise, crowd management, customers leaving late at night and taxi movements on neighbouring residential streets.

Cllr Giles has asked the committee to consider additional conditions, including a formally established maximum capacity, compulsory door supervisors for late-night music events, improved noise management and a comprehensive customer dispersal policy.

He has also asked councillors to consider whether the existing licensed hours remain appropriate.

The approved licensing hours, which were granted last year, permit the venue to serve alcohol and late night refreshments until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays as well as staying open until that time when hosting events.

Council to decide whether new restrictions are needed

When the original licence was considered in October 2025, ten representations were received from residents concerned about noise, anti-social behaviour and the impact of late-night customers.

The Licensing Sub-Committee granted the application in part, allowing alcohol sales until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, subject to conditions.

These included restrictions on the outdoor drinking area, requirements for customers to leave quietly, and a condition limiting licensable activities after 8pm to pre-booked ticketed events.

The council's report for the forthcoming review confirms that 355 addresses were contacted during the consultation, but no further representations were received from residents or responsible authorities, including the police.

The review does not establish that the venue has breached its licence.

The committee will consider whether the existing conditions remain adequate or whether further restrictions are necessary.

Its powers include imposing new conditions, restricting licensable activities, reducing permitted hours, suspending the licence for up to three months or revoking it altogether.

The hearing will take place at Kingston Guildhall at 10am on Tuesday, November 17.

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