AN African-themed restaurant near Southend’s Palace Theatre plans to extend its opening hours until 3am every day to welcome late-night partygoers and carers finishing their shifts.

African Taste, in London Road, Westcliff, serves a variety of African and English cuisine and alcoholic drinks, as well as having a pool table for customers to enjoy.

Manager Fredrick Engmann applied to Southend Council’s licensing committee in the hope extending the opening hours will help drive business and accommodate people who work “unsociable hours”.

A hearing will take place on March 1 to determine the application.

He said: “We do have music but not too much. We’re not a nightclub. It’s more about the food.

“A lot of our customers work in the care industry, so their free time varies. They work unsociable hours, with many of them not finishing until midnight.

"At that time, all the other restaurants are closed. Us being open late means carers don’t have to go home. They can come here to de-stress, enjoy some food and play pool.”

Echo: James Courtenay says he supports venues which allow people to 'go out and have fun'.James Courtenay says he supports venues which allow people to 'go out and have fun'. (Image: NQ)

The restaurant hosts parties and private functions, which Fredrick says partly prompted the application.

He added: “Some clients have asked if we can close later. That way, we can attract more customers. We’ve built up a good local reputation. We also welcome people who have lived or worked in African countries who want to enjoy some of that cuisine.

“I’m hopeful our application will be approved.”

The restaurant is a short distance from the Palace Theatre and the Plough pub, although there are rows of houses nearby on the adjoining Valkyrie Road.

James Courtenay, councillor responsible for community safety and public protection, also represents the Chalkwell ward where the restaurant is located.

He said: “I’m supportive of venues in appropriate places to have licenses to enable people to go out and have fun. But my concern is about the local area. London Road is a major thoroughfare through the city, although it sits very close to people’s houses.

"While we need to support businesses in being able to trade, we also need to support residents’ rights to peace and quiet.”