Lightwell row in Kensington sparks privacy concerns at historic pub reopening
A fresh row has broken out in Kensington after locals voiced strong opposition to a design feature planned for the reopening of a Victorian pub. The concern centres around a proposal to reinstate a pavement-level lightwell above the pub’s cellars, an architectural feature typical of the period, but one residents say is “tone-deaf” in today’s climate.
The application, submitted by design firm Wentworth Andersen, headed by Ben Andersen, husband of television presenter Kirstie Allsopp, has drawn a number of objection letters to Kensington and Chelsea Council. Critics claim the open grille design could risk enabling “upskirting,” a criminal offence since 2019. One long-standing local put it plainly:
“Installing a 2000mm x 700mm pavement grille with 35mm gaps is, in 2025, extraordinary and not in the flattering sense.”
For many residents, the issue isn’t just about aesthetics or preserving heritage details. It’s about whether certain Victorian features belong in public spaces today. “Add a few drinks, a gathering crowd, and a conveniently placed grille with a view,” one objector wrote, “and suddenly we’re no longer talking about a quaint restoration, but a voyeur’s deluxe box seat.”
The venue, which previously operated as Ariadne’s Nectar Bar, was purchased last year and is set to reopen as The Volunteer. The Kensington pub itself has a colourful past, having once drawn in a lively crowd including well-known musicians. Its return has been generally welcomed by those hoping to see local community spots revived, especially in an area where independent pubs are vanishing. However, the inclusion of the lightwell has overshadowed that optimism for some.
“I was genuinely heartened to hear that the old public house would be reopening,” said one resident, “but any enthusiasm I felt has been thoroughly eclipsed by this baffling and retrograde proposal.”
This isn’t the first time Wentworth Andersen has faced friction locally. A previous incident involving signage bearing the Allsopp name caused confusion and led some to assume the presenter herself was fronting the renovation. It was later clarified that the sign referred to a historic brewery in the family name.
The project has already faced scrutiny over other aspects too, particularly proposed opening hours that some neighbours feared would encourage late-night noise and antisocial behaviour. While licensing was eventually approved, restrictions were introduced, including requirements for acoustic assessments before opening.
The new lightwell application remains under consideration by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Supporters of the reopening hope the project can go ahead without compromising safety or public trust, while others are calling for a rethink of what gets prioritised in heritage-led designs.
As debates continue over where heritage ends and modern values begin, one thing is clear, London’s architectural past remains deeply entangled with present-day expectations.
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