Free food as noise row delays Scott's licence
Diners at one of London's smartest restaurants were surprised when they were told they would not have to pay for their dinner or wine.
Scott's in Mayfair, which is waiting for Westminster council to sign off a new trading licence, has been forced to serve customers meals and drinks without charge after promising to honour bookings - at a cost of £350,000 including paying the staff.
Manager Matthew Robb said they were faced with a dilemma when a planning dispute meant the newly refurbished restaurant failed to receive the licence in time for its reopening last week.
It was decided to treat the diners who previously booked lunch and dinner reservations because it could not legally charge them. Mr Robb said: "I do feel a little like Father Christmas."
The fish restaurant, which has undergone a multi-million refit by owner Richard Caring, who also owns the Ivy and Le Caprice, was supposed to be ready for business at the start of the month.
But its licence application was held up when journalist and author Glenys Roberts, who owns a flat above the venue, started campaigning to keep noise levels down, complaining to Westminster Council, where she also works as a councillor.
Miss Roberts, who claims the noise from the restaurant keeps her awake at night, has lived in the Gothic, redbrick-Grade II listed building for 32 years. She said: "The thing is, I don't want Mayfair to end up like Soho. I have been telling them for months that the restaurant is not sound-proofed properly."
Mr Robb said Scotts had done everything possible to placate Miss Roberts, including installing a £1 million air conditioning system, laying new carpet and fitting rubber caps to the table and chair legs.
"We have listened to everything she has said but we are beginning to wonder at what point we can operate normally with a Westminster councillor living above us, who is watching our every move," he said.
A meeting with acoustic experts and the council is scheduled to take place at Miss Roberts' flat today. The restaurant is hoping for a positive outcome.
