An exclusive private members club in Mayfair popular with royals and A-listers has had its alcohol licence suspended after a weapon was allegedly brandished outside.
Maison Estelle, housed in a Georgian townhouse in Mayfair, is closed at least until a full review hearing takes place within 28 days, according to the Times. The Metropolitan Police is investigating claims of "a serious crime, or serious disorder or both".
Celebrity members and closure
The club, where members reportedly include Kim Kardashian, Idris Elba and Princess Beatrice, has cancelled all bookings and events. Other celebrity visitors are said to have included Angelina Jolie and Lewis Hamilton.
Westminster City Council raised concerns about public safety and "significant breaches" of the licence at the £5,950-a-year club, which features four restaurants, 11 bars and two nightclubs.
Incident details
A source told the Times that on a busy night an individual was refused entry. It is understood that some time later a weapon was brandished on the street nearby.
A Met spokesperson said: "This relates to an incident on Saturday, 19 September, in the vicinity of the venue after reports of threatening behaviour. The circumstances remain under investigation, including whether a firearm or imitation firearm was involved. No injuries were reported."
Club's response
Maison Estelle informed members of the closure in an email stating: "We are working closely with Westminster city council and the police while we carry out investigations and review our licence conditions."
The email added: "We understand this will be disappointing, however we will always put the safety of our staff, our members and their guests first." The club said it was "considering the impact of the closure on membership fees".
The council said that at an interim steps hearing on Thursday, the Met asked for the licence to be suspended "as a result of concerns around public safety and significant breaches of the premises licence". It added: "Maison Estelle were represented at the hearing and did not oppose the application."
The club said: "We have closed Maison Estelle for a few weeks while we carry out investigations after receiving information from the Metropolitan Police and following a serious public safety matter outside the premises."
