One of London’s oldest Greek restaurants is facing another review of its premises licence three years after allegations of rape saw the venue’s licence suspended.
Elysée in Fitzrovia, that opened in 1936, claims a famous clientele over the years that includes the England football team after their 1966 World Cup Victory, the Beatles, Muhammad Ali and HRH Prince Phillip.
But the Metropolitan Police has asked Camden Council to revoke the premises licence for due to “multiple breaches” of public safety rules.
At this point specific details have not been made public – as is common with premises licence reviews.
But the Met said it wants the council to withdraw the premises licence “in its entirety” in light of the restaurant’s recent history and a lack of confidence from the police that adding more restrictions would be enough to promote public safety and prevent crime and disorder.
The latest sounding of the alarm comes three years after the council suspended the restaurant’s licence to sell alcohol for six weeks. Camden Council cut back the 90-year-old Elysée’s late-night opening hours in October 2022 and ordered the venue to train staff after reports of alleged rape and illicit drug-use at the restaurant emerged.
Police arrested two men on suspicion of rape in September 2022, but no charges were brought and the investigation was closed.
In the latest application, the Met said: “This premises has previously been subject to a review following a serious incident involving staff from the venue, at which time the Licensing Sub-Committee made clear that continued operation would depend on strict adherence to the conditions imposed.”
The nature and extent of alleged staff involvement in that previous incident is unclear.
During the previous review, residents and customers including the President of the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots wrote in support of the restaurant. Others in the area remained concerned about the allegations of serious crime.
Camden’s Licensing Committee imposed strict new conditions the venue had to meet in order to resume operations, such as making employees undergo welfare, vulnerability and engagement training “as indicated by the police”.
The Met’s fresh bid for a licence review is under public consultation until 14 January 2026. Council licensing hearings are typically held within 20 days of the statutory consultation period, but under the Licensing Act 2003 police can fast-track this process if they suspect a venue is associated with serious crime or disorder.
Elysée first opened its doors in 1936 as a French silver service restaurant. In 1962 the venue changed hands and became a leading Greek eatery known for its elegant interiors, traditional fare and authentic entertainment – including ritual plate-smashing.
