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  1. Licensing
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Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP represents a range of leading food and retail outlets. The ‘excellent’ team, led by Craig Baylis, is praised for its ‘commercially minded’ approach. Recent highlights include work for Tesco, and assisting Apple in obtaining a licence for its newly opened store in Covent Garden. Jeremy Bark is also recommended.

Davenport Lyons acts for a large number of prestigious members’ clubs, restaurants and entertainment venues. It recently advised Westfield on a number of retail licences for its Stratford and White City premises, and continues to advise the Royal Household. The ‘proactive’ Thomas O’Maoileoin and the ‘excellent’ Alun Thomas are highly regarded.

The team at Jeffrey Green Russell was strengthened by the appointment of two new licensing partners: ‘sophisticated strategist’ Andrew Wong and Gareth Hughes, who has ‘enviable negotiation skills ’. The group has successfully obtained licences for W Hotels, Hakkasans and Cuckoo, among many others. Julian Skeens is a ‘doyen in the field of licensing’, and his team provides a ‘Rolls-Royce service’.

The three-partner licensing practice at Blake Lapthorn is praised for its ‘fantastic level of knowledge’. It recently assisted Stonegate Pub Company in the transfers of 109 premises licences and gaming machine permits. Longstanding client Mitchells & Butlers continues to instruct the team in relation to its 700 premises across London and the South. Phil Crier and Jon Wallsgrove are recommended for their ‘experienced’ and ‘personal’ approach.

Harris Hagan’s licensing practice is led by the ‘hugely experienced ‘ Elizabeth Southorn, who ‘always has the client’s best interests at heart’. The team, though smaller than many of its competitors, is commended for its ‘real depth of expertise’. It recently advised St Pancras Chambers Investments on the licensing of the newly refurbished St Pancras Renaissance Hotel.

Joelson Wilson LLP’s ‘quick’ and ‘efficient’ licensing practice recently assisted Gordon Ramsay Holdings in securing new premises licences for a number of sites in London. Suzanne Davies and her team also acted for insolvency practitioners such as Deloitte and Ernst & Young. The ‘articulate’ Anna Mathias and Niall McCann are noted by clients for their ability to explain issues in a ‘succinct manner’.

Squire Sanders Hammonds’ licensing department is ‘outstanding in terms of value for money, knowledge, speed of response and approachability’. It continues to act for Select Service Partner Rail, and recently assisted Intercontinental Hotel Group in a number of licence variations for several of its Holiday Inn hotels. The ‘enthusiastic’ Stephanie Perraton has ‘unparalleled sector knowledge’, and ‘always seems to go that extra step’ for clients.

Bevan Kidwell represents an assortment of late-night venues in Westminster, including nightclubs, cafés and bars licensed for nudity. The ‘pragmatic’ and ‘goal-focused’ Liza Inzani continues to advise London Eye Company, a longstanding client.

Bond Pearce LLP handles licensing matters for a number of national clients in the leisure and entertainment industry. Notable highlights included assisting Virgin Clubs in relation to its Kensington Roof Gardens premises, and acting for The Original Bowling Company in connection with the £40m acquisition of M&B Hollywood Bowls. The ‘highly professional’ Tim Davies manages the team.

Poppleston Allen provides licensing advice to the leisure industry. Clients include Stonegate Pub Company, Shepherd Neame, and La Tasca. The ‘efficient’ and ‘knowledgeable’ Clare Eames is recognised as a ‘source of sound advice’, and Lisa Sharkey is well regarded for her regulatory expertise.

Winckworth Sherwood advises luxury hotels including Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park and The Ritz. Robert Botkai and his team also handle all licensing related issues for Sainsbury’s.

The ‘masterful’ David Dadds of Dadds LLP Licensing Solicitors offers a ‘fantastic personal service’ and is renowned for his advocacy work. His practice continues to act for the Revolution bar chain and several independent pubs.

LT Law’s client base includes Soho House Group and The Box nightclub. Lana Tricker provides a ‘very good level of service’, and displays a ‘high degree of professionalism’.

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