Yesterday, the Hoxton Yamamori High Court case was adjourned to March.
Since this High Court case became public last week, I’ve received statements on behalf of Trinity Hospitality, the leaseholders of the Hoxton building, which culminated in Trinity Hospitality creating a one-page FAQ site to cover their stance on the noise complaint dispute – which I note has received further updates in the last couple of days.
Yamamori issued one statement on February 17th in which they refute much of Trinity Hospitality’s assertions.
Today, The Hoxton brand itself has weighed in with a statement also, which says they “understand that Trinity Hospitality has offered mediation as a route forward and is open to contributing financially towards the works required.”
Here’s the statement issued today by The Hoxton brand itself, Friday February 20th.
As The Hoxton, we have chosen not to comment publicly until now, while the initial court proceedings between Trinity Hospitality and Yamamori Izakaya were underway, out of respect for that process. With the case now adjourned with the consent of both parties to allow time for further engagement, we feel it’s important to clarify where we stand.
First and foremost, The Hoxton does not want to see Yamamori Izakaya close, nor do we want to see nightlife venues curtailed. Yamamori Izakaya has been an important part of Dublin’s nightlife and cultural fabric for years, one of the many independent businesses that give this part of town its buzz. As a brand, The Hoxton has a track record of actively supporting creative communities and neighbouring businesses for the past 20 years, in each of the cities we call home. Our plan for Dublin is no different. It is central to who we are.
All of us at The Hoxton Dublin sincerely hope that in the coming weeks, Trinity Hospitality and Yamamori Izakaya can continue to collaborate directly and explore constructive solutions. It is our understanding that Trinity Hospitality has offered mediation as a route forward and is open to contributing financially towards the works required. The Hoxton welcomes any steps that support a positive outcome for both parties.
At The Hoxton, we have a responsibility to the guests who stay with us. Our hope, therefore, is that through collaboration and goodwill on all sides, a balanced way forward can be agreed upon – one that allows nightlife, hospitality, and community to thrive together, as they should.
The issue centres on Yamamori Izakaya’s use of the ground floor space to host DJs since during the hotel’s refurbishment, which the hotel says has caused complaints from guests of nearby bedrooms since the hotel opened in November.
Trinity Hospitality’s one-page site now includes the following, about the ground floor DJ space:
“This area is closer to the hotel and bedrooms and, as configured, does not currently have the level of structural acoustic isolation typically required for late-night amplified music in such close proximity to sleeping accommodation. The ground-floor restaurant area used as a dance floor is directly below a large skylight that opens into the hotel’s central courtyard, which is right below the bedrooms.
Prior to the refurbishment, the 1st floor was configured as meeting rooms. We converted it back to bedrooms as part of the works. Due to the noise transfer, we have had to close rooms on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors, and we have periodically received complaints on the 4th floor as well.”
Yamamori say that they voiced concerns with Trinity Hospitality during refurbishment over the plan to convert these meeting rooms into bedrooms.
Many myself included, have cited the Agent Of Change principle as a guiding one in this case – which puts the onus on sound proofing on a new development.
Interestingly, Trinity Hospitality is asserting The Hoxton is not a new development despite a three-year refurbishment which would suggest they believe Agent Of Change doesn’t apply in this case though they say the support the principle. They say in response to the question, “is the hotel a new development?”…
No, the hotel has operated as a hotel for 140 years, most recently as the Central Hotel, since it was purpose built in 1887. It was extensively refurbished and extended from 2022 to 2025. It is a protected structure.
There has been no material change of use of the building, and planning was granted in 2021, however, we support the Agent of Change principle introduced in the Dublin City Development Plan 2022–2028.
The case is due to reappear before the courts on March 5th unless resolved before then.
Another protest is again planned at 6:30pm on Saturday on Dame Court after Tuesday’s protest.
The Hoxton vs. Yamamori Izakaya: The Story So Far
