Mayfair private members' club allowed to reopen after licence suspension

One of London's most exclusive private members' clubs has been allowed to reopen after its licence was temporarily suspended following police concerns linked to a serious public safety incident.

Maison Estelle, the Mayfair club on Grafton Street favoured by celebrities, business figures and high-profile members, was forced to close earlier this autumn after the Metropolitan Police requested an urgent review of its premises licence.

Westminster City Council suspended the club's alcohol licence at an interim hearing in September after officers raised concerns that the venue was "associated with serious crime, or serious disorder, or both".

The exact nature of the incident has not been disclosed. However, the BBC previously reported that Scotland Yard had been investigating a claim involving a weapon.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands that Westminster's licensing committee has now decided not to revoke the club's licence following a full review hearing held in October.

The authority confirmed Maison Estelle was permitted to resume trading from Wednesday, November 4, but will be subject to a series of stringent new restrictions.

For the first week after reopening, the club must close earlier than usual, with operating hours restricted to 11.30pm from Monday to Thursday, midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and 10.30pm on Sundays.

The tighter controls will remain in place for 12 months. During that period, licensable activities must end by 1am between Monday and Saturday, with the venue required to close by 1.30am.

Details of the committee's full reasoning have not yet been published.

The LDRS understands the review hearing was conducted in private because aspects of the discussion may relate to an ongoing Metropolitan Police investigation.

A Westminster City Council spokesperson said: "The council's Licensing Sub-Committee has not revoked the licence for Maison Estelle.

"Following a review application brought by the Metropolitan Police, the sub-committee decided that the venue be allowed to 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.

"Every decision made by the Licensing Sub-Committee is determined on the evidence presented to them and reflects what is necessary to uphold the licensing objectives."

The temporary closure attracted attention because Maison Estelle is one of the capital's best-known private members' clubs, occupying a Grade I-listed Georgian townhouse in the heart of Mayfair.

When the licence was suspended in September, the club said it had taken the decision to close after receiving information from police regarding a serious incident outside the premises.

A spokesperson said at the time: "The safety of our staff, our members and their guests will always come first.

"We are continuing to work closely with Westminster City Council and the police as we review our licence conditions and procedures."

The reopening means the club can resume operations while police inquiries continue, although it will remain subject to enhanced licensing controls designed to address concerns raised by the Met and reassure regulators that public safety can be maintained.