Lincoln Arms pub lost £40,000 after Camden Council rejected outdoor tables
The King's Cross public house had its pavement licence application refused due to concerns over pedestrian access and a fire exit.
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The Lincoln Arms pub in King's Cross has lost an estimated £40,000 in takings during summer 2026 after Camden Council refused its application for six outdoor tables. Landlady Joyce Whelan stated the decision impacted the pub's finances significantly during Britain's hottest summer on record.
Council's reasons for refusal
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Camden Council stated that the pavement licence application could not be approved because the proposed six tables and 20 chairs would have been placed outside a neighbouring property, not the pub's own frontage. The council also raised concerns about pedestrian access and a fire exit serving the adjacent building. A spokesperson for Camden Council said: 'As this proposed area is understood to include a fire exit serving the neighbouring building, the application could not be approved due to concerns about pedestrian access and safety.'
Joyce Whelan, who has run the pub for 18 years, told MyLondon that the tables had been in place for years without issue. However, following a complaint in June 2026, she was required to submit a formal licence application. She has been informed that she may only receive permission for a single outdoor table.
Impact on the business
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Ms Whelan claims the pub lost up to £4,000 weekly during the summer months after being forced to remove the outdoor seating. She described the pub's interior as becoming too hot for customers during the high temperatures, leading them to seek seating at other venues. She added that the pub's clientele consists of mature individuals, and the outdoor seating area did not cause noise issues.
The landlady expressed frustration, stating the council did not inspect the area or discuss the situation with pub staff. She indicated that rather than pursuing a licence for one table, the pub plans to install an outdoor standing shelf for patrons. However, she remains concerned about the venue's future trade without adequate outdoor seating.
Council's commitment to businesses
Camden Council maintained its commitment to supporting local businesses. The council spokesperson added: 'We remain committed to supporting local businesses and will continue to work with applicants to ensure any use of the public highway is safe, accessible and appropriately authorised.'
Questions this report answers
+Why did Camden Council reject the pub's outdoor seating application?
Camden Council stated the application for six outdoor tables could not be approved due to concerns about pedestrian access and a fire exit serving a neighbouring property. The proposed area was outside a neighbouring property, not directly in front of the pub.
+How much revenue did the pub lose?
The landlady of The Lincoln Arms, Joyce Whelan, claims the pub lost up to £40,000 in revenue during summer 2026. She estimated this loss at approximately £4,000 per week due to the inability to use its outdoor seating.
+What is the pub's current situation regarding outdoor seating?
The pub's application for six outdoor tables was rejected. The landlady has been informed she may only receive permission for one table. The pub is now considering installing an outdoor standing shelf instead.
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