The opening of a Jazz Cafe East has moved a step closer.
Jazz Cafe Property Limited has submitted a premises licence application to Newham Council for The Rex cinema , located in High Street, Stratford.
In May, Newham’s cabinet accepted a bid by the Columbo Group to buy the art deco building.
It says it will turn the venue – which has been empty for more than two years - into a Jazz Café East.
The Jazz Cafe in Camden Town has hosted top artists including Jamiroquai and Amy Winehouse.
Built in 1896, Newham Council said the Rex was originally used as a theatre and opera house before it closed in 1933 and was converted into a cinema.
After the cinema closed in 1969, it became a bingo hall and later was turned into the Stratford Rex nightclub, before that too closed down.
The building was used by council-owned housing company Populo as its offices between 2017 and 2023.
If approved, the licence would permit various activities including plays, films, live and recorded music, dance performances, and the retail sale of alcohol.
The proposed operating hours are from 10am to 2am from Sunday to Wednesday, and 10am to 4am from Thursday to Saturday.
The application also seeks approval for late-night refreshments from 11pm to the same closing times.
The council's licensing register, where details of the application can be inspected, is maintained at the Licensing Team Office in East Ham Town Hall, Barking Road.
It is open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Any person, business, or organisation wishing to oppose the application must submit their representation in writing to the licensing team at the above address.
Representations must be received by October 9 and should be relevant to the licensing objectives: prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and protection of children from harm.
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All representations will be forwarded to the applicant, and those who make representations will need to attend the council's licensing sub-committee.
It is an offence, with a penalty of up to £5,000, for anyone to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with the application.
Queries regarding the application can be directed to licensing@newham.gov.uk or by calling 020 3373 1925.
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