Finger lickin’ in a Grade II-listed building in Farringdon Road

THE country’s poshest Kentucky Fried Chicken fast-food restaurant could soon open in a Holborn building considered an architectural masterpiece.
The Town Hall’s planning committee tonight (Thursday) is due to consider an application by a KFC franchise holder to turn a Grade II-listed Victorian building into a massive, 158-seater­ ­late-night restaurant – in the face of stiff opposition from people living nearby.
The Farringdon Road building earmarked for the new restaurant is in the popular Venetian Gothic style. A movement originating in 14th-century Venice and marrying Byzantine and Arabic influences, it was revived in Britain in the 19th century, chiefly due to the influence of architectural critic John Ruskin.
The 1873 building has an illustrious past, with a place in British fiscal history. Designed by architects Harding and Bond, it was used  as a workshop for Bradbury Wilkinson, which created engraved plates used to print banknotes that became a symbol of imperial economic might during the Victorian period.
But neighbours have objected to the plans, saying they fear a late- night takeaway will encourage rats, robbers and raucous drunks.
In a letter to the Town Hall, Farringdon Road Residents Association said “a KFC is completely inappropriate for a Grade II-listed building”. The association said the late hours were presumably to attract drunk customers on their way home from the pub, those on their way to late-night clubs or the post-clubbing crowd. “In our experience most of these customers tend to be tired, confused and disorientated,” the association added.
Holborn Labour councillor Julian Fulbrook said: “Anyone who has seen the scrimmaging immediately outside Kentucky Fried Chicken fast-food premises will be aghast.”
Planning officers have recommended the restaurant be given the go-ahead.
DAN CARRIER