Humdingers Café Secures License Following Resolution of Community Concerns

Owned by Robert Hunninger MBE of Humdingers Catering Ltd, the café has become a favorite destination for its fresh coffee, baked treats, and warm ambiance. It serves as a hub for remote workers by day and transforms into a food-focused dining venue by night. With its newly granted license, Humdingers can now include alcoholic beverages in its offerings, complementing its meals with drinks for patrons to enjoy.

Nick Semper of The Licensing Guys represented Humdingers at the hearing, emphasising that alcohol would be served strictly as a secondary offering, available only through table service between 12:00 and 21:30. The café has no intention of changing its peaceful environment or hosting loud events, maintaining its focus on food and dining rather than entertainment. With a seating capacity of 50, Humdingers aims to continue offering a quiet, welcoming space for its guests.

This successful outcome follows the café’s initial application being denied in April 2024 due to concerns about noise and potential public nuisance. In response, Humdingers made substantial efforts to address these issues, ensuring that the café aligns with local expectations.

Noteworthy improvements include:

• Noise Reduction: Additional soundproofing measures were installed, significantly reducing noise levels. A noise survey conducted in May confirmed that sound would not disrupt nearby properties, with results submitted to the Environmental Health Noise Team as part of the reapplication.

• Prevention of Public Nuisance: A detailed operating schedule was created to minimise any potential disturbances. This plan limits the sale of alcohol and reinforces strict closing times to avoid causing late-night disruptions.

• Community Engagement: To ease concerns, Humdingers engaged in active dialogue with local residents, keeping them informed about the improvements made. The café's open communication demonstrated its dedication to being a considerate member of the community.

The Licensing Sub-Committee also imposed conditions on the café’s operations, including a smoking ban in the nearby alley, sealing the restroom window to prevent noise, and implementing additional measures to ensure women's safety at the venue.

Nick Semper commented on the decision: "This was a contested hearing where the issues raised by local residents were explored but found to be outside the remit of the Licensing Committee. We are confident that Humdingers will continue to be an asset to the local community."

With the license now in place and new measures implemented, Humdingers Café looks forward to continuing its role as a valuable part of Camden’s community. By balancing responsible business practices with a commitment to the needs of its neighbors, the café remains dedicated to creating a peaceful and inviting atmosphere for all.