Celebs Rally to Save Princess Diana's Favorite Chelsea Eatery from Noise Complaint!
Celebs Rally to Save Princess Diana's Favorite Chelsea Eatery from Noise Complaint!
Eric Clapton, Bryan Ferry & more back La Famiglia, a Chelsea institution beloved by Princess Diana, as a noise complaint threatens its future. Find out why! #SaveLaFamiglia
A cherished West London Italian restaurant, La Famiglia, a spot famously frequented by Princess Diana, is currently facing an uncertain future following a noise complaint from a single neighbor. The restaurant, a beloved fixture in leafy Chelsea for five decades, is now confronting a licensing review that could significantly impact its operations.
The heart of the dispute lies with Francesco Perticarari, a 34-year-old venture capitalist who began renting a £2 million property overlooking the restaurant's garden in November 2024. Since February last year, Perticarari has lodged numerous complaints with the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, alleging that excessive noise from the garden disturbs his two-year-old daughter's sleep.
Despite holding a license to keep its garden open until midnight, La Famiglia's owner, Marietta Maccione, has proactively taken steps to address the concerns.
These measures include closing the garden an hour earlier and even introducing a "noise marshal" to manage sound levels.
However, these efforts have not deterred the complaints, leading to a full licensing review scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, under the grounds of "Prevention of Public Nuisance and Protection of Children from harm."
The news has sparked a significant outpouring of support for La Famiglia, not just from locals but also from an array of famous figures. Rock legend Eric Clapton, whose family has been dining at the restaurant for over 30 years, voiced strong opposition to any restrictions. He stated that to
strip away or heavily restrict the terrace would destroy the very soul and fantastic atmosphere of this lovely restaurant.
Singer Bryan Ferry echoed this sentiment, writing, "Should the garden be forced to compromise its service, the restaurant would lose much of its attraction." Other celebrities rallying to the restaurant's defense include Made in Chelsea star Rosie Fortescue, who questioned the timing of the complaint given the restaurant's long-established presence, as well as José Mourinho's daughter Matilde Felix and MasterChef host Anna Haugh. This wave of support highlights the deep affection and historical significance La Famiglia holds within the community and beyond.
