Agitated neighbours are trying to stop burger chain restaurant Byron extending its opening hours in Farringdon.

The branch, in Cowcross Street, wants to increase the business hours from 11pm to midnight. It also wants to extend alcohol sales from its current 10.30pm limit to midnight.

Byron must first get approval from Islington Council’s licensing sub committee – and neighbours have told it they are unhappy.

One wrote: “In an area filled with bars and pubs, it is in fact Byron that gives us some of the worst disruption. Their kitchen fans stay on well into the night and they often drag their outdoor seating at 11 or 11.30pm.”

Another said: “There is a large piazza directly by this Byron, where people gather late at night (post-Byron and post Fabric nightclub etc). So WHY is it helpful to let Byron now open until midnight with no public awareness of residents trying to sleep?”

Byron said no more than four bottles of beer or a 750ml bottle of wine are served with a meal. The council committee is set to make a decision at a town hall meeting next Tuesday.