Caribbean bar in Chingford Mount granted late weekend closing

RnR Lounge, described as a “stylish” bar and restaurant serving Caribbean food and cocktails, will now close at 1am on Thursdays and Sundays, and 4am on Fridays and Saturdays, reports Sebastian Mann, Local Democracy Reporter

A Caribbean bar and restaurant in Chingford has been given permission to close at 4am on weekends by Waltham Forest Council.

RnR Lounge, in Chingford Mount Road, went before the licensing committee last week seeking to extend their operating hours.

The venue, described as a “stylish” bar and restaurant serving Caribbean food and cocktails, will now close at 1am on Thursdays and Sundays, and 4am on Fridays and Saturdays.

It was previously licensed to close on weekdays at 11pm and 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.

The applicant told the committee he had never received a noise complaint from either the council or the Metropolitan Police, according to a report published this week.

He added that he had a “good relationship” with both and “is happy and willing to engage with them”.

Additionally, staff will be fully trained and two or three bouncers would be working on the door at weekends, if necessary.

The building had been sound-proofed in 2019 and the venue had been granted a temporary licence to close at 4am seven times this year. None had resulted in any complaints.

The application had received some pushback from one local resident, who submitted a formal objection to the council.

He expressed concern that the later close could “lead to an increase in antisocial behaviour, public nuisance, littering, and disturbance at a time when local residents are trying to sleep”.

The sub-committee was ultimately “confident” the applicant was a “responsible business owner who would follow the law and regulations” and approved the application.

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