A licensing application made by Mucci’s restaurant for a new pizza takeaway shop and bar is drawing widespread opposition from residents.

Mucci’s, which is situated on the King’s Road near World’s End, is planning an expansion by opening Mucci’s Cafe opposite its flagship eatery.

A licensing application outlines plans to sell alcohol from 11am to 11pm, seven days a week – which includes off-sales – as well as permission to play music. The application to RBKC council reveals that the cafe only has space for SIX seated customers inside, plus four seats outside by the pavement.

The controversial licensing application was highlighted to the public only after The Chelsea Citizen spotted an A4 laminated sign glued to the boarded up shop front. It has sparked fury amongst residents who fear a litany of issues, including NOISE from customers, POLLUTION from swarms of delivery motorbikes and an extractor fan, and late night DISTURBANCE from music and the general restaurant activity at the back of the premises in Ann Lane.

A flyer has been distributed urging locals to oppose the license application. It raged: ‘This is not a cafe. Cafes do not sell alcohol and do not open until 11pm seven days a week. We are very worried about the extra noise, loud music, rowdy behaviour and general nuisance, particularly in the evenings. We must all oppose this.’

 

The application, which is in the name of Mr Guiseppe, makes clear assurances that Mucci’s Cafe will be run diligently and that all action will be taken to prevent unnecessary disturbance to neighbours. The Citizen has contacted the owners of Mucci’s for comment.

 

Mucci’s Cafe has drawn considerable attention locally in recent times because it has been in development for roughly two years without any signs of opening until now. There has also been widespread speculation that Mucci’s Cafe agreed to a high rent price with the council – believed to be £40,000 per year – which consequently caused a dramatic knock-on in price rises by the council in its rent review of other businesses along the popular parade.

One resident said: ‘Everyone around here has been bemused why it has taken so long to fit out Mucci’s Cafe. It is such a tiny little space and should only have taken a few months at worst. We hear that the owners have been playing a huge rent to the council, but still have not bothered to open. It makes no sense.’

The licensing application can be viewed here. Interested parties have until 7th October to post a comment.