Café Diana, the famous venue opposite Kensington Palace known for its ties to Princess Diana, has been raided four times since 2019 by police and Home Office immigration officers.
Seven illegal workers (Egyptian and Algerian nationals) were discovered across these raids, with some workers claiming they were paid in food rather than wages, raising concerns of labour exploitation.
During a December 2023 raid, three illegal workers were found:
An Egyptian man caught for the second time, previously found working there in 2020.
Another Egyptian national who had been working as a waiter for over two years while his asylum claim was pending.
An Algerian woman working with a fraudulent French ID; her application under the EU Settlement Scheme was rejected in 2022.
In 2020, three others were found working in breach of immigration rules, and in 2019, one illegal worker was arrested.
Other Violations
A May 2024 raid uncovered suspected illegal shisha tobacco and found patrons smoking it in an enclosed basement, violating public health laws.The café now faces:
A £135,000 fine for illegal employment practices.
A pending licence review by Kensington and Chelsea Council, with the risk of permanent revocation.
Management Response
Café management expressed regret and blamed the situation on a tenant business, The Corporate Meeting and Event Service Ltd, which they claim has been evicted.
They requested the council consider only a three-month licence suspension rather than a full revocation.
Authorities’ Statements
Officials highlighted:
Persistent illegal employment undermining crime prevention efforts.
Evidence of worker exploitation through compensation with food rather than proper wages.
Illegal shisha activity violating the Health Act 2006.
Written by: LIIE IMMIGRATION
