**New Penarth Restaurant Faces Licensing Troubles After Wave of Local Complaints**
A newly opened restaurant in Penarth, set within the iconic former Holm House boutique hotel, has been forced to suspend its sale of alcoholic beverages following a torrent of objections from area residents. The establishment, run by the team behind Cardiff’s well-loved Silures, now faces considerable hurdles just weeks after opening its doors on 11 July.
The former Holm House, celebrated for its elegant coastal setting, had closed earlier in March 2024. Rising costs and enduring changes in post-pandemic consumer habits were cited as key reasons for its initial closure. Its recent transformation into a restaurant by notable restaurateurs Silures had been eagerly anticipated by locals and visitors alike, offering a new chapter for the historic venue.
However, anticipation quickly gave way to frustration as more than 20 formal complaints were lodged by local residents shortly after reopening. As a result, the restaurant’s application for a permanent alcohol licence has been delayed, meaning guests are currently unable to purchase alcoholic drinks on-site. This situation, according to the restaurant’s management, will persist until the Vale of Glamorgan Council reviews the necessary paperwork, with the next licensing committee meeting due to take place on 12 August.
In an official statement posted on social media, restaurateurs Daf and Andrei expressed their “bitter disappointment” regarding the setback. “Due to over 20 complaints raised by local residents on the reopening of Holm House’s Restaurant & Bar, from July 28th-August 11th, we are unable to serve alcoholic drinks to our guests,” they shared. Temporary reprieves have been arranged for two previously-booked events, utilising Temporary Events Notices (TENs) for 2nd and 10th August, but, in line with statutory limits, no further temporary licences could be granted.
In an effort to ensure guests are not unduly inconvenienced, the restaurant has invited customers to bring their own alcohol without corkage fees during the period affected. Management has committed to contacting affected bookings directly to explain the situation and outline their options. Outside these exceptional event dates, only non-alcoholic beverages will be available in all dining and lounging areas.
The statement went on to thank diners for their support to date and expressed optimism about recovering from this challenging start. “We’d like to thank all guests who have dined with us up to now, and those planning to in the near future,” the team said, reflecting on their intention to bring something new and positive to Penarth’s hospitality scene.
The episode has ignited significant discussion online, with social media users overwhelmingly voicing support for Silures Penarth. Comments range from offers of practical assistance to encouragement and pledges to continue patronising the venue. One supporter noted, “Not only do you support the local community through jobs, a place to go, local produce and adding a sense of community back to Penarth – we should be supporting businesses that want to take a chance in these climates not holding them accountable to some minor red tape.”
It is worth noting that, prior to its closure, Holm House operated with similar terms, sparking questions among both residents and potential patrons about the nature and substance of the recent objections. Critics of the complaints argue that hospitality businesses inject vital economic and social energy into communities still recovering from the impact of the pandemic.
The Vale of Glamorgan Council has confirmed that the fate of the restaurant’s permanent licence remains undecided, pending the outcome of the committee’s review in August. Until then, management, staff, and supporters wait with bated breath, all hopeful the restaurant’s initial challenges will soon resolve and allow it to thrive as an integral part of Penarth’s seafront once more.