Anna Mathias, a member of the Gambling and Licensing Team, successfully argued that her client merited an exception to Westminster's policy not to grant new licences or extensions to licences in its stress areas. Westminster's Licensing Committee were persuaded to grant an extension of an existing licence to 2am, with the premises staying open until 2.30am, for a new restaurant with bar and 14 bedrooms, due to open later this year in the heart of the West End, just yards from Leicester Square.

Speaking after the hearing, Anna said: "Both I and, of course, the client, are delighted with this result. It just goes to show that, with the correct planning, preparation and presentation of an application, even Westminster's presumption against new licences and extensions can be overcome.