A legendary Soho speakeasy was on Thursday facing closure after complaints from millionaire neighbours about noise and unruly patrons.
The New Evaristo Club, affectionately known as Trisha’s after its Italian matriarch owner, was today hauled before Westminster council, which is threatening to strip the iconic venue of its licence.
Previous patrons have included Amy Winehouse, Led Zeppelin, Mark Ronson, Anthony Bourdain and Marco Pierre White.
But the Met Police has argued the 80-year-old Greek Street basement club, the oldest in Soho, is unsafe and is letting in customers who are not official members, in breach of licensing rules.
Officers visited in April to investigate an alleged drink spiking, according to council documents. In a statement, the PC said they could not access the CCTV and witnessed people who were intoxicated.
“I was extremely disappointed with the visit on the night as it is quite clear there are numerous conditions on the premises licence that the venue is in breach of,” they said.
However the licensing meeting on Thursday morning heard that Trisha’s “does not have a high volume of crime associated with it”.
Neighbours have complained about noise from live music, the conduct of revellers as they leave and the bar staying open past 1am.
In a letter to the council, one resident grumbled about “overcrowding and smoking on the premises.”
Fans of the speakeasy raised £20,000 to save it from closure during the pandemic.
Hundreds have written in support of the club and owner Trisha Bergonzi, who famously once told Jimmy Page to ‘f*** off’ when he asked her to make him a cheese toastie on a heaving Friday night.
Supporters described it as the “bastion of the old-school Soho”.
One supporter said: "This bar is a much loved and historic place that is crucially important as one of the last remnants of 'Old Soho'." In many other European cities venues such as these as treasured and protected as they as seen as integral to the character of the city .
“Venues like this tell the story of Soho. And they are rapidly disappearing. Please safeguard this wonderful welcoming establishment for the enjoyment and delight of future generations both Londoners and visitors to our city."
