Plans for £10m bar go walkabout

A plan to turn the former £10million

Scotland Yard opposed the move to convert the former "superclub" into a three-floor Australian Walkabout bar.

Police shut down the nightclub in March last year after evidence of drug dealing was found.

The venue, at One Leicester Square, remains empty, but it is likely Regent Inns, the company behind the venture, will appeal against Horseferry Road Magistrates' refusal to grant a liquor licence.

Superintendent Chris Bradford, of the Met's Clubs and Vice Unit, said: "My officers looked at other venues owned by the chain across the country and looked at the number of crimes, public-order offences and drunkenness that took place in and around them.

"This is not the sort of venue that is needed in Leicester Square, an area which is already full to capacity with licensed premises, the majority of which stay open until early in the morning.

"We believe that such a venue would only have a negative impact on both crime and disorder."