Borrell applies to turn toilet into cocktail bar

Will Borrell, brother of Razorlight frontman Johnny and owner of Vestal Vodka, has revealed plans to turn a disused public toilet in London into an underground cocktail bar.

Will Borrell, vodka entrepreneur and brother of Razorlight frontman Johnny, hopes to turn a derelict public toilet in London into a cocktail bar

Borrell, who launched potato-based Vestal Vodka in 2011, has submitted a formal planning application to Camden Council to turn the derelict facilities in Kentish Town into a bar called Ladies & Gentlemen.

Speaking to the Kentishtowner, Borrell said: “I started discussions with the council about changing the underground toilets – which have been decaying since closure in the 90s – into a bar over two years ago.”

“For some people a neighbourhood bar might seem a strange concept, but I see it as a place much like that in the TV show Cheers, where regulars are encouraged to hang out after work and exchange ideas and thoughts.

“Also, we look to source a lot of ingredients from allotments locally and focus on seasonal menus and craft lagers. Look out for some of my mum and auntie’s homemade sausage rolls and scotch eggs, made fresh daily.”

The toilets, which have been derelict since the 1990s after they were shut down as part of a cost-saving scheme, are based at the junction of Fortress Road and Highgate Road.

Proposed opening hours of Ladies & Gentlemen are: Monday to Wednesday 10am to 12pm, Thursday to Saturday 10am to 2.30am, and Sunday 11am to 11pm.

Some objections have been submitted by local residents who are concerned about potential noise and disruption. Other residents have pledged their support for the project, claiming a locally-run business would add value to the area.

Camden Council’s planning committee is to vote on the application later this month.