Charlotte Newton AN organic caf� in Queen s Wood has been given the green light to stay open until late, play music and serve alcohol. The Queens Wood Lodge in Queen s Wood, Muswell Hill Road, is a popular haunt with dog walkers and mums with push chairs

Charlotte Newton

AN organic caf� in Queen's Wood has been given the green light to stay open until late, play music and serve alcohol.

The Queens Wood Lodge in Queen's Wood, Muswell Hill Road, is a popular haunt with dog walkers and mums with push chairs during the day, serving food from 10am until 6pm. It is also occasionally used by literary groups and artists for small gatherings in the evenings.

Last night, Haringey's licensing committee gave the caf� permission to sell alcohol from 12 noon and stay open until 11pm Monday to Thursday and until midnight on Fridays and Sundays. It will also be able to play music at private parties and evening functions.

Residents had objected to the application on the grounds that it could lead to anti social behaviour and an increase in crime in the area.

But the owner of the caf�, Harry Murray Shelmerdine, told Haringey's licensing committee that he wanted the licence to increase his takings during the recession.

He said: "We'd like to sell wine and beer to people with meals and sell alcohol to people attending private functions in the evenings. I've never at any time wanted to run the place as a night club or pub."

For the full story see the Ham&High on Thursday.