Chelsea restaurant faces noise restrictions after neighbour complaints
La Famiglia's licence review adjourned as council considers earlier closure for outdoor dining.
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La Famiglia, a long-established Italian restaurant in Chelsea, is facing potential new operating conditions following complaints about noise from a neighbouring resident. The restaurant's licence is under review by Kensington and Chelsea Council, with a key point of contention being the operation of its outdoor dining area.
Neighbour's concerns
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Francesco Perticarari, a venture capitalist who began renting a property in the area in November 2024, has lodged complaints that noise from the restaurant is disturbing his young family. Mr Perticarari claims the canopy covering the garden area lacks adequate acoustic insulation. He is seeking restrictions on the venue's operation.
Council's recommendation and owner's penalties
The council's Environmental Noise Team has recommended a restriction that would require La Famiglia's outdoor garden to close by 9pm. In response to earlier noise complaints, the council's Environmental Health department issued a noise abatement notice to Marietta Maccioni, who runs the eatery, on October 7, 2025. Ms Maccioni was subsequently fined £400 in July 2026 for alleged breaches of this notice.
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Celebrity support and licence review
The restaurant, established in 1974 and reportedly a favourite of Princess Diana, has garnered support from numerous public figures. Music mogul Simon Cowell described La Famiglia as "genuinely one of [his] favourite restaurants in the world" and warned that earlier closure of the garden would have a "massive impact on the business". Guitarist Eric Clapton, whose family has visited for over 30 years, stated that restricting the terrace would "destroy the very soul and fantastic atmosphere of this lovely restaurant". Other supporters include film producer Barbara Broccoli and singer Bryan Ferry. A total of 247 individuals have reportedly backed the restaurant ahead of its licence review.
Kensington and Chelsea Council's Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to review the restaurant's licence on Tuesday, following an application by Mr Perticarari. However, the hearing was adjourned. A council spokesman stated that the committee needed the opportunity to hear directly from the applicant and question all parties before making a decision. The hearing will be rescheduled, with a new date to be confirmed.
Questions this report answers
+Why is La Famiglia restaurant facing a licence review?
La Famiglia is undergoing a licence review by Kensington and Chelsea Council due to noise complaints from a neighbour, Francesco Perticarari. He claims the noise from the restaurant is disturbing his young family and that the outdoor dining area's canopy lacks acoustic insulation.
+What restrictions could La Famiglia face?
The council's Environmental Noise Team has recommended that the restaurant's outdoor garden area should close by 9pm. This would represent a significant change from its current operating hours for the outdoor space.
+What has happened to the restaurant owner regarding noise complaints?
Marietta Maccioni, who runs La Famiglia, received a noise abatement notice from the council on October 7, 2025. She was subsequently fined £400 in July 2026 for allegedly breaching the terms of that notice.
+When will a decision be made about the restaurant's licence?
The Licensing Sub-Committee hearing was adjourned to allow for further discussion and questioning of all parties involved. A new date for the hearing will be confirmed by Kensington and Chelsea Council as soon as possible.
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