Residents of Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire, have voiced concerns over plans to significantly increase outdoor music events at The Mount, a pub operated by Michelin-starred chef Glynn Purnell. The establishment, owned by millionaire couple Luke and Tania Fryer, opened in 2022 and has quickly become a focal point in the local community, prompting a debate about the pub’s impact on the traditionally tranquil village.
Currently, The Mount holds permission to stage three outdoor gigs each year. However, pub management has applied to Stratford District Council for authorisation to raise this number to 15 events annually, predominantly scheduled during the spring and summer months. This proposal has sparked substantial opposition from local residents who fear the increased events will exacerbate existing disturbances caused by noisy and intoxicated patrons.
In a joint letter addressed to the council, residents acknowledged The Mount's efforts to sustain a viable business, yet highlighted ongoing issues linked to noise and antisocial behaviour. They described incidents of loud arguments, phone conversations near their property boundaries, and children being shouted at within the pub’s garden. Some residents reported verbal abuse from pubgoers, with one describing confrontations arising simply from having barbecues in the privacy of their own gardens.
Brian Westmacott, aged 69, who lives adjacent to the pub, expressed frustration about the current noise levels and predicted the frequency of future events to be considerable. “Even if the applicant spread the events throughout the spring and summer, it would still amount to at least one event per fortnight, based on a simple average of 15 events across 26 weeks/weekends,” he said.
Holly Wingfield, a local business owner and resident who rents out a flat above her shop near the pub, shared concerns regarding the effect on her tenant. She told the Daily Mail: “I strongly object to The Mount's application to inflict even more noise on my tenant who dwells in the flat above my shop. My tenant has complained to me about the music activities occurring regularly in front of the pub. She has also complained about the noise their guests make when vacating the premises late at night. My worry is that the proposed increase of audible events will render the flat unlettable.”
Other locals commented on the impact of rowdy behaviour spilling into public spaces. One resident remarked: “It's bad enough in the summer with endless noise and swearing coming from the pub garden, now they want to hold even more boozy music events. Our once lovely town is being taken over by drunk louts. I dread it when the sun’s out because you know you'll never get any peace.”
Not all responses have been negative. Sam Taylor, who works near The Mount, stated: “I am in and out of the office at all times, including when live music has been on, and have never heard music coming from the premises in question. Since The Mount took over I feel that they have certainly impacted Henley in a positive way, and they seem to operate the business in a very professional manner.” Other supporters believe the pub should have the freedom to host outdoor events, viewing venues like The Mount as important to the community and local economy.
Luke Fryer, the pub’s owner, acknowledged the concerns while defending the need for more events. He emphasised the economic benefits, saying: “We employ about 30 people in the pub, many of them live nearby so without the pub those jobs would not be there. We want to make a viable business while working with residents living nearby. I'm not up in arms or divided with anyone about this.”
The application will be reviewed by Stratford District Council’s licensing committee, who are scheduled to debate the proposal on Tuesday. The decision will determine whether The Mount receives permission to expand its outdoor music calendar from the current cap of three events to fifteen each year.
Source: Noah Wire Services