UK West London Ex-Mayor’s Pub Illegal Activity & Immigration Bust

GG News Bureau
London, 24th March : West London pub and hotel, The Old Oak Tree, has been handed a three-month licence suspension following a series of damning findings by authorities, raising serious concerns over regulatory enforcement and accountability.

The establishment, co-owned by former Darshan Grewal and his wife Gurpreet Grewal, has long been under scrutiny. The latest action by Ealing Council comes after repeated raids uncovered a pattern of alleged illegal activities spanning years.

Immigration Raid Reveals Serious Breaches

In November 2025, a joint operation involving immigration enforcement officers, police, and council licensing officials executed a warrant at the premises.

Authorities reportedly discovered multiple individuals in breach of visa conditions living at the hotel for extended periods, paying around £500 per month. The findings suggest the property may have been used as an informal lodging hub for immigration offenders.

Outside the venue, officers encountered groups allegedly consuming drugs and alcohol openly. The situation escalated due to what police described as “obstructive and aggressive behaviour,” requiring backup support. A large machete was later recovered from the scene, and five individuals were arrested.

A Pattern of Allegations Over the Years

This is far from the first controversy linked to the venue. During a 2023 inspection, immigration officers found offenders in every room they checked. In one instance, an unlocked room reportedly contained 15 suitcases, believed to belong to recent arrivals. Nine individuals were arrested during that operation.

In another 2025 raid, three individuals were discovered living in a caravan on-site—again in breach of visa conditions.

Earlier still, a 2019 visit uncovered alleged adult entertainment activities, including nude dancing for paying customers. Women present reportedly admitted to charging for performances, while an unlicensed door supervisor was found collecting entry fees without proper certification. Few months ago, Grewal was spotted in an event of khalistanis and is found to be linked to this organization was reported in several media too.

Defense From Owners Questioned

During the recent licensing hearing, Gurpreet Grewal attempted to distance herself from the incidents, blaming a former manager for misconduct and claiming corrective action had been taken.

However, council licensing officer Robert Dear challenged this narrative, clarifying that it was authorities—not management—who shut down problematic events.

Mrs Grewal also acknowledged complaints about bed bug infestations at the hotel, stating pest control measures had since been implemented. Yet such admissions further underscored ongoing concerns about management standards.

Her claim that all guests’ passports were routinely checked was also disputed by officials, who pointed to repeated immigration violations as evidence of systemic oversight failures.

Noise, Disorder, and Community Impact

Beyond immigration breaches, the venue has also drawn repeated complaints from local residents.

Noise control officers reportedly visited the site seven times in 2025 alone. In one September incident, groups were observed inhaling nitrous oxide (“balloons”) both outside the pub and inside parked vehicles, alongside continued public drinking.

Such scenes paint a troubling picture of a venue operating with limited regard for public order or community well-being.

Regulatory Action—Too Little, Too Late?

Despite the extensive list of violations, the council stopped short of permanently revoking the licence. Instead, the venue will be allowed to reopen after a three-month suspension, subject to stricter conditions.

These include operating without a smoking shelter, keeping doors and windows closed after 9 pm, and implementing a formal noise management plan.

While these measures signal tighter oversight, critics may question whether they go far enough given the repeated and serious nature of the offences.

A Broader Question of Accountability

The Old Oak Tree case raises uncomfortable questions about enforcement gaps and accountability, particularly when politically connected individuals are involved.

With a history stretching back to earlier controversies linked to Darshan Grewal’s tenure, including past licensing disputes and allegations surrounding other venues, the latest developments risk reinforcing perceptions of regulatory leniency.

As the pub prepares for a potential reopening, local authorities face mounting pressure to ensure that this is not just another temporary pause—but a genuine turning point in compliance.