Bakery given all-clear to make evenings about Lebanese wining and dining
By Ben Lynch, Local Democracy Reporter
The owners of a new family-run central London deli are looking to open next month after being given the green light to sell alcohol and play music into the evening.
Simon Balsom, who owns The High Llama Bakery and Deli alongside his wife Lama Ajjour, described the premises licence as ‘a valuable addition to providing the highest level of enjoyment at The High Llama’.
The deli and bakery, which recently took possession of 38 Riding House Street in Fitzrovia, was originally opened in Beirut, Lebanon, in 2018.
Mr Balson said that in 2023, due to the ‘social and political situation’, they closed the business and moved to Fitzrovia in Westminster to look for a new premises to open it in.
The couple requested in their application to Westminster City council for permission to play recorded music and sell alcohol until 11pm Monday to Saturday and 5pm on Sundays.
The Met initially objected due to concerns about the level of detail in the operating schedule, though later withdrew its representation.
The council’s environmental health consultation team also warned granting the application would likely cause an increase in public nuisance, while one resident wrote: “I am concerned that the establishment is not genuinely planning to operate as a bakery and deli but instead intends to function primarily as a late-evening takeaway alcohol vendor.”
Ahead of last Thursday’s Westminster City council licensing sub-committee meeting, Mr Balsom responded to the objection, writing the initial opening hours will be from 8am until 4pm or 5pm.
He added the deli wished to have the option to serve alcohol to customers, and that the family live just a short distance from the site.
“We are highly invested in our bakery becoming part of the community and ensuring Riding House Street’s sense of peace is maintained,” Mr Balsom wrote. The alcohol offer will be limited to five or six wines and one or two bottled craft beers, and will only be served to seated guests.
The request to be able to serve alcohol in the evenings was, Mr Balsom wrote, “to enable us to grow and to offer evening experiences at our bakery – either as part of overall extended opening hours, or as part of a series of one-off events”.
Mr Balsom said: “We’re a family-run bakery offering great espresso-based coffees alongside breads, Viennoiserie, cakes, cookies, Levantine pies, breakfast and dessert bowls, juices and smoothies, sandwiches and salads – many infused with the subtle flavours of the Levant,” he said.
“Gaining an alcohol licence is a valuable addition to providing the highest level of enjoyment at The High Llama. What could be a better accompaniment to our freshly baked bread, some salted butter, and a couple of anchovies or a bowl of Lebanese olives than a glass of dry white Lebanese wine?”
Pictured top: The High Llama Bakery and Deli (Picture: LDRS)
