Bjorn pulls plug on Abba-themed restaurant (in Waterloo) after residents protest

The immersive show is set up like a Greek tavern where audiences can enjoy a Mediterranean dinner while the cast sings around them
Mamma Mia The Party/Tyrol
Martin Coulter11 May 2018

Abba superstar Bjorn has pulled the plug on plans to build a restaurant dedicated to the band in Waterloo after locals responded with outrage.

The proposals for Mamma Mia! The Party, an immersive theatre and restaurant experience from the Swedish superstar were strongly opposed by local residents.

Last November, angry residents staged a protest on the vacant land ahead of a key planning meeting.

The local authority's planning committee ruled in favour of granting conditional planning permission for the Stamford Street site near to the South Bank - but Bjorn Ulvaeus today revealed the development will not go ahead on the site.

He said: "I have reached the conclusion that the party should not open on the South Bank near Waterloo.

"Despite being granted planning permission in November 2017, I’ve taken seriously the concerns expressed by some local residents living around Stamford Street and so have decided not to go ahead with our plans on this site.

Stop Mamma Mia Party: Signs posted around the area opposing the venture (Waterloo Residents' Alliance)
Waterloo Resident's Alliance

“We have been looking at some equally exciting alternatives in London and expect to announce a new location shortly.”

Mr Ulvaeus had previously called Waterloo "the perfect place" for the newest branch of his restaurant, which already operates in Stockholm.

A summary of the decision supported the plans for a new arts venue “in principle” due to its position on South Bank where local policy “supports the promotion of arts and cultural activities”.

Lambeth Council received 198 objections to the plans, including from London Assembly members, and a petition with more than 700 signatures was presented to the council in October.

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