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Camden New Journal - by CHARLOTTE CHAMBERS
Published: 22 November 2007

Gillian Price

Drinks-among-antiques bid sparks neighbours’ protests

BUT artist supports plans for shop, saying café-bar would be oasis of calm

AN antiques trader has angered neighbours with her plans to serve alcohol at a Primrose Hill shop.
Gillian Elizabeth Price already runs a café at Judith Michael and Daughter Antiques, which she opened in Regent’s Park Road two years ago. She has spent around £2 million on the building since moving in.
Her plans to serve alcohol have won the support of some in the area – including artist Minnie Weisz, the sister of Hollywood actress Rachel – but nearly 30 residents have lodged objections with licensing chiefs.
Neighbour Andrew Moor, who lives in Chamberlain Street, said: “If it suddenly becomes acceptable to transform a shop into a nightclub, operating from 10am until 11.30pm seven days a week, on what basis could one stop every shop requesting such a licence?”
Other residents said Primrose Hill already had more than enough restaurants and bars. They fear that serving alcohol would bring noise and anti-social behaviour as customers go outside the shop to smoke.
Five residents have written to licensing chiefs supporting Ms Price’s plans, and pointing out that as a licensee in an antiques shop she would be unlikely to let her clientele become inebriated for fear that they would break something.
Ms Weisz, who lives near the antiques shop, said: “The concept of a vintage shop with a cafe-bar is unusual and quite lovely. Such an oasis of calm is a rare find. I feel comfortable reading my book there alone with a coffee or a glass of wine.”
Ms Price, who hopes to start a book club and poetry readings, hopes to open from 10am to 11pm Monday to Saturday, opening at midday on Sunday.
She said the objections came from a small group of neighbours. “I’ve tried to speak to them and invite them, but they’ve all ignored me,” she said.
“It is very sad that some neighbours are upset by this and do not want to improve the community. This will be an alternative to a pub – relaxed and friendly and quiet.”
The licence application is due to be heard by councillors on Wednesday.

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