Norwich's Silhouette reopens after licence complaint dropped

Silhouette in Timberhill, which opened on January 20, looked as if it would have to go without alcohol for almost a month after it received a noise complaint meaning it would have to wait until a meeting on March 10 for a decision to be made.

Since launching, the bar has been running on a series of temporary events licences and had hoped to have its permanent licence in place by February 14.

Bosses initially thought they would have to close without booze but later decided to reopen without alcohol, serving food, soft drinks, mocktails and milkshakes.

But now the cocktail shakers can rattle again after the complainant pulled their objection meaning Silhouette's permanent licence could begin.

Co-owner Carlos Magalhaes, who had estimated he would lose £80,000 from the delay, is now looking forward to the future.

He said: "It's back to business.

"I'm looking forward to getting back to it.

"Last week was a difficult week but it's all turned out well in the end."

Mr Magalhaes and his business partner Fabio Rodrigues opened Silhouette in the former home of steak and lobster lounge Bourgee - which closed during the pandemic - having successfully opened Il Salvatore restaurant in Brandon in 2019.

Norwich City Council received two complaints about noise from the Castle Quarter venue but one had already been withdrawn before the end of the consultation period.

A council spokeswoman previously said national legislation had dictated their actions, explaining: "The venue was allowed to open and trade, but could not sell alcohol.

"We would always encourage anyone setting up a business to make sure the right licences are in place from the start to prevent situations like this from occurring."