Drag queen bingo and bagpipes spark south London pub row

Sutton Council is set to decide whether new restrictions should be imposed on The Prince of Wales, thought to be one of the oldest pubs in Cheam, following complaints of excessive noise.

The complaints relate to a monthly outdoor event called Busy Lady Bingo.

The 19th century drinking hole in Malden Road faces a formal licence review after neighbours raised concerns about late-night noise and disruption.

But the pub’s loyal customers and charity organisers have rallied behind the venue. They argue it was established long before the complaints arose, and that tighter restrictions could put its future at risk.

Sutton councillors will meet on November 13 to consider a request for additional controls on the pub’s operating conditions.

A video submitted by a resident showed drag performer “Sheila Simmonds” using a microphone, swearing and making jokes about people being naked in houses behind the pub in Cookes Lane, while inviting the audience to look towards the properties.

Jason Plent, a local resident, has submitted evidence ahead of the meeting, hoping to trigger a review of the pub’s premises licence over concerns about public nuisance.

He has been corresponding with the council about the issue since 2021, and is acting on behalf of residents from nearby Malden Road, Cookes Lane and Church Road.

Mr Plent said noise complaints are not limited to bingo events, but also involve sports screenings, live music, DJs and public announcements.

In their representations, residents told the council they were previously forced to leave their gardens or shut their doors to escape the noise.

One neighbour said the noise was having a serious impact on their wellbeing, writing: “I think that this is affecting my mental health in that I feel that there is nowhere in the house or the garden where I can escape from the intruding noise.”

The application has drawn opposition from customers and supporters, who have said the pub has become an important part of life in Cheam since its refurbishment in spring 2026. The work included an outdoor garden bar, TV screens and covered pergola seating.

Seven representations were submitted in support of the pub, praising its family-friendly atmosphere and fundraising events. Supporters say the pub has raised more than £15,000 for organisations including Pilgrim Bandits and the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans through its annual Armed Forces Day events.

Sutton councillors are due to consider noise complaints related to The Prince of Wales pub

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One supporter questioned why a complaint had been made about a bagpiper performing in the garden on Armed Forces Day to honour World War II veterans and Chelsea Pensioners.

Others said the pub should be allowed to continue operating, pointing out that it had been on the site long before some of the neighbouring homes.

“I dare say the people who complain do so because they foolishly bought a house next to a pub,” one customer said. “The pub has been present on this site for much longer than any neighbours.”

They also expressed fears that further restrictions could place additional financial pressure on an already struggling business.

Mr Plent has stressed that he is not seeking to close the pub or prevent its normal trading. Instead, he said: “I am asking for clear, enforceable conditions on the licence so that the noise from outdoor and amplified entertainment does not keep returning.”

The measures being sought by Mr Plent and the local opposition include a ban on amplified music and public address systems outdoors, a 10pm curfew for the garden bar and the formal removal of exemptions under the Live Music Act.

Mr Plent said these conditions are modelled on those imposed by Sutton Council on another historic pub in the neighbourhood, Ye Olde Red Lion.

Neither Environmental Health, which is responsible for noise control, nor the Metropolitan Police has submitted formal representations ahead of the meeting.

Sutton’s licensing sub-committee will hear from both sides on Friday before deciding whether to impose additional conditions. A final decision is expected next week.