Pub karaoke was so bad a neighbour said it made them suicidal

A Notting Hill pub has narrowly avoided closure after its karaoke sessions became a living nightmare for its neighbours.

Resident Ray Rose Raymond wrote to Kensington and Chelsea Council complaining that the weekly sing-alongs at the Pig and Whistle were a ‘weekly hell’.

Mr Raymond wrote to the council saying the weekly sing-a-longs were a ‘weekly hell’.

He said: ‘It is particularly bad when a microphone is used and there is karaoke, this is most Friday nights and continues for hours.

‘In a place of grieving I realised I needed time and space to grieve over the festive break from work, and I could not endure the noise any longer. I felt there was no escape.’

Landlady Ann Maher, has defended the pub, saying the saga has cost them £25,000.

She said: ‘We have had to pay for sound proofing and engineers to sort everything as well as legal representation during the hearing.’

The pub has held the karaoke for the last 10 years and complaints had only started in the last six months, according to Ann. She added that her team have done nothing different to raise the noise levels.

Regulars at the pub in Bramley Road said it is at the heart of their community.

The pub stayed open for 48 hours straight during the Grenfell disaster, helping to feed emergency services and store donations which were flooding in.

Aidan Irish said: ‘This pub is amazing and a huge benefit to the community. If you buy a flat next to a pub expect a bit of noise – and it’s not even that noisy.’

Gary Keane added: ‘I bet this person has no idea of all the help the pub gave their to local residents during the Grenfell fire.’

Another added: ‘I’ve known and loved the Pig my entire life, it always is and has been a place for real locals to gather. This pub is the heart and soul of Notting Dale.’

The council’s licensing committee ruled that group singing should be banned, limiting performances to duets and solos.

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