Ranking tables

Licensing | UK Bar

London (Bar)

This section deals with the award of and challenges to liquor and gambling licences.

Rankings overview for Sets

Star Individuals

  1. Gerald Gouriet KCFrancis Taylor Building
  2. Philip Kolvin KC11KBW
  3. Stephen Walsh KC3 Raymond Buildings
1

Band 1

  1. David Matthias KCFrancis Taylor Building
  2. Jeremy Phillips KCFrancis Taylor Building
  3. Ranjit Bhose KCCornerstone Barristers
2

Band 2

  1. Matthew Butt KC
    Matthew Butt KC 3 Raymond Buildings14 Years Ranked
  2. Peter Glenser KC
    Peter Glenser KC 9BR Chambers10 Years Ranked
  3. James Findlay KCCornerstone Barristers
  4. Michael Bromley-Martin KC3 Raymond Buildings

New Silks

  1. Saba Naqshbandi KC
    Saba Naqshbandi KC 3 Raymond Buildings21 Years Ranked
  2. Josef Cannon KCCornerstone Barristers
1

Band 1

  1. Asitha RanatungaCornerstone Barristers
  2. Charles HollandFrancis Taylor Building
  3. Leo CharalambidesFrancis Taylor Building
3

Band 3

  1. Matthew LewinCornerstone Barristers
  2. Richard HanstockCornerstone Barristers

All Sets profiles

1

Band 1

  1. 3 Raymond Buildings
    1
    3 Raymond Buildings
    Licensing
    2025 | Band 1 | 21 Years Ranked
    3 Raymond Buildings is home to an accomplished set of barristers known for their extensive coverage of the whole gamut of licensing disputes. Members act for restaurants, festivals, nightclubs, marketplaces and police services. The set has particular expertise in handling matters surrounding sexual entertainment venues, premises licence applications and gaming licensing. Recent work highlights include advising a major gambling group on its application for a casino. Sources say: "3 Raymond Buildings is a leading set for licensing with a broad spread of practitioners."
  2. Cornerstone Barristers
    1
    Cornerstone Barristers
    Licensing
    2025 | Band 1 | 20 Years Ranked
    Cornerstone Barristers is a well-regarded set for its deep coverage of the licensing area. Members have acted for the police, local licensing authorities, regulators and industry operators on many cases. The set has expertise in licences for gambling establishments, taxi and private hire drivers, festivals, nightclubs and restaurants. Members of the set have continued to be involved in High Court proceedings relating to Uber's licence to act as private hire vehicles in London. Instructing solicitors describe the set as "a leading set in the licensing field, offering a range of excellent counsel."
  3. Francis Taylor Building
    1
    Francis Taylor Building
    Licensing
    2025 | Band 1 | 19 Years Ranked
    Francis Taylor Building is well established in the licensing world, and its barristers are able to cover a wide range of licensing disputes. It has an impressive roster of both silks and juniors, equipped to handle instructions from clients including licensing authorities, the police, taxi and private hire vehicle operators and the operators of licensed premises. Members of FTB act in cases relating to taxi licences, as well as betting and other entertainment venues. The set is also well versed in alcohol, housing and street trading licensing issues. A recent highlight for the set includes acting for the Metropolitan Police Commissioner on an application by police to revoke the premises licence for the Lotus Club. The set is described by one solicitor as "the best set for complex and sophisticated licensing cases."