The man behind Brentwood restaurant The Fat Turk has revealed plans for an upmarket Greek eatery with singers and dancers.
Burak Erceri has been given permission to open Yiamas – a Greek restaurant and cabaret in Pilgrims Hatch where restaurant Dusk once operated before its closure more than a year ago.
However, his request to open until 2am on Friday and Saturdays has been rejected after Brentwood Council’s licensing committee heard concerns from residents about potential disturbance from customers heading back to their cars.
Yiamas had wanted to open between midday and midnight on Sundays to Thursdays and midday to 2am Fridays and Saturdays.
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But after a meeting of the council’s licensing committee, it was decided that the serving of alcohol will have to stop at 11.30pm with closure at 12am between Thursday and Sunday.
On Friday and Saturday alcohol can be served until 12am with closure at 12.30am.
Brian Billington, who lives in nearby Frog Street, said: "It is so quiet in that area that just people shouting out goodbye people can hear it down the road."
He added: “It doesn’t seem fair on the neighbours to be giving people until 2am on Friday and Saturday. That is unreasonable.”
Councillor Vicky Davies, who represents the area on the council, said: “I know a business deserves to thrive and deserves to be successful, but it can’t be at the cost of the health and wellbeing of the local residents.
"I think it’s a human right they can put their kids to bed at night on the safe assumption that at 2am there won’t be noise in the car park on a regular basis.”
Mr Ercari said he has invested significant sums into the new venture and would not risk that by falling foul of the council over noise concerns.
He said: “People want to go and dine and be entertained – that is what the rear part of the restaurant offers as well.
"There will be someone spinning from the ceiling – they don’t make any noise they do that to music – there may be someone who does stuff with fire. It’s all about entertainment.
“I’ve got some great singers. I’m not owed anything but I think I’m owed a little bit of trust.”
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