Almost 200 families back Monak restaurant licence review

Pan-Asian sushi house Monak, in Abbey Road, has been closed since April 28 when armed males, said to be wearing balaclavas, fled the scene after reportedly threatening staff with knives and starting a fire.

Police have applied to review its licence, also citing an incident on May 12, 2022, where shots were reportedly fired at the restaurant.

When asked how police could be sure that customers would be safe if it reopened, the licence holder agreed, saying "you are right".

A notice put up at the Monak restaurant in Abbey Road (Image: Submission)

Now the Ham&High has seen an email chain in which Cllr Caroline Sargent, the Conservative member for Abbey Road Ward, joins those calling for Monak to be reviewed.

Cllr Sargent said: “We are supporting residents and businesses nearby who, for the past several years, have been plagued by at best nuisance, and at worst crime and disorder associated with the premises.”

According to the email, nearly 200 families have felt the impact "on a daily basis”.

Other businesses in the area have also signed a petition calling for a review.

Referring to the 2022 shooting, the Met wrote in its application that the motive remained unknown, but it was believed a group of customers who had arrived at the restaurant without booking a table were connected.

The Ham&High previously reported about the fire on April 28, in which six males reportedly went in with “large machetes”.

Monak, the moment it was on fire (Image: Screengrab from video by @HelenFemix)

According to the police application, they had “Molotov cocktails” and firebombed the venue before running off.

London Fire Brigade said there were no reported injuries but half of the ground floor of the restaurant was damaged.

But police have claimed in their submission that one person was taken to hospital with “shrapnel injuries”.

Outside of Monak restaurant (Image: Google)

Monak has announced online it is temporarily closed for “internal works”.

Anyone wishing to make a representation about the review is asked to contact the licensing team before July 11.

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This should be made into writing with the reference number 23/04009/LIREVP and sent to Licensing Team, Westminster City Council, 15th Floor West, 64 Victoria Street, SW1P 6QP.

Alternatively contact licensing@westminster.gov.uk.

Monak has been contacted for comment.