A dispute over noise levels has erupted between the Hoxton Hotel and the long-established Yamamori Izakaya in Dublin, resulting in legal action and public protest.
Hotel Seeks Injunction, Yamamori Responds
The Hoxton Hotel, formerly known as the Central Hotel, filed for an injunction against Yamamori Izakaya last week, citing excessive noise transfer. Yamamori’s owners stated they find it “extremely hard” to accept the hotel’s claims that it does not intend to curtail nightlife in the area.
The hotel claims that noise from Yamamori, which operates as a restaurant and bar with live music several nights a week, has forced it to withdraw 31 of its 129 bedrooms due to guest complaints. Trinity Hospitality, the group behind the Hoxton, stated they have been seeking acoustic testing since late November 2025.
Protests Erupt in Dublin City Centre
On Tuesday evening, over 100 people gathered outside the Hoxton Hotel to protest the legal action, chanting “Whose city? Our city!” People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett addressed the crowd, stating they were “standing up for the heartbeat of what this city is really about.”
Protesters expressed concern over a perceived trend of cultural spaces closing in Dublin, referencing the recent closure of The Complex arts centre. Claire Long, a protester, noted that Yamamori Izakaya is one of the few venues in the city without an entrance fee, making it accessible to all.
Yamamori Izakaya offered to install sound-limiting devices and suggested the hotel be soundproofed during refurbishment. However, they claim the Hoxton did not provide requested information regarding sound attenuation measures in a timely manner, instead opting to seek an injunction.
As of Tuesday, an online petition to “Save Yamamori Izakaya From Being Shut Down” had garnered over 6,500 signatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hoxton Hotel’s primary complaint?
The Hoxton Hotel claims that late-night music from Yamamori Izakaya is causing excessive noise and vibration, leading to guest complaints and the withdrawal of rooms.
What is Yamamori Izakaya’s response to the hotel’s claims?
Yamamori Izakaya’s management team stated they find it difficult to believe the hotel’s claims that it does not intend to curtail cultural or nightlife activity and that the hotel did not engage in timely communication regarding the issue.
What action have supporters of Yamamori Izakaya taken?
Over 100 people protested outside the Hoxton Hotel on Tuesday evening, and an online petition to save the venue had over 6,500 signatures as of Tuesday.
As this dispute unfolds, will Dublin be able to balance the needs of new businesses with the preservation of its established cultural spaces?
