Mayfair club shuts as Met investigates weapon claim

A private members' club popular with celebrities has temporarily closed while police investigate allegations of threatening behaviour and whether a weapon was brandished in a nearby street.

The Metropolitan Police said it asked Westminster City Council to review Maison Estelle's alcohol licence as the premises was "allegedly associated with serious crime, or serious disorder, or both".

It related to an incident on 19 September, the force said. No injuries were reported.

Councillors suspended the licence at a private hearing on Thursday. The Mayfair venue, which has hosted Princess Beatrice, Idris Elba and Kim Kardashian, said it would be closed for "a few weeks" while investigations took place.

"A further hearing will be held in due course," a Met spokesperson said.

"The circumstances remain under investigation, including whether a firearm – or imitation firearm – was involved."

Westminster City Council said councillors, on consideration of the application and the relevant representations, suspended the licence "in the interest of public safety".

Maison Estelle did not oppose the Met's application at the hearing, the council said.

"The safety of our staff, our members and their guests will always come first," a spokesperson for the club said.

"We are continuing to work closely with Westminster City Council and the police as we review our licence conditions and procedures."

Councillors will review the licence at a full hearing due to take place within 28 days.

Located within a Georgian townhouse, the seven-floor venue has four dining rooms, 11 bars and two floors of "nightlife spaces", according to the Maison Estelle website.

Membership to the club costs £5,950 a year.

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