Greggs and Westminster agree deal on Leicester Square late night operations

Baker Greggs and Westminster City Council have reached a deal in their dispute over whether an outlet in Leicester Square can sell hot food all night.

Greggs said in April that it would seek mediation ahead of court action that had been due this month.

Westminster had refused permission to serve hot food after 11pm after requests from the Metropolitan Police and nearby residents who feared disorder.

Greggs argued there could be confusion among customers as pasties made at external bakeries and re-heated needed no licence to be sold, whereas cooked products, such as bacon baps, sausage rolls and potato wedges did need licensing.

The bakery confirmed it had had worked with the council and reached agreement to sell sandwiches and sweet products late at night.

Westminster deputy leader Aicha Less said: “Westminster have come to an agreement with Greggs that works for everyone.

“Greggs will now only be able to sell hot drinks (but not hot food) on Sunday to Wednesday from 23:00 hours to 00:00 and Thursday to Saturday 23:00 hours to 02:00 hours.

“The licence is also subject to significant conditions which includes the installation of CCTV at the premises, the use of door supervisors and the clearing of litter outside the premises. 

“We are pleased to continue to support local businesses and look forward to working with the company going forward.”

Mark Smulian