Guests of a stunning hotel on Wimbledon Common enjoyed fine wines and a delicious spread after a £1million refurbishment.

Neighbours of Cannizaro House put concerns about a recent licensing application dispute to one side for an evening of cocktails and canapés on Thursday.

Up to 200 guests tottered along the red carpet to the sound of piano music and onto the sun-drenched terrace overlooking Cannizaro Park.

General manager Phil Lewis was among the staff to mingle with guests who included Fiona Razvi and Tony Kane from Wimbledon BookFest, Mark Gordon of the soon-to-open Wimbledon Brewery, local councillors and the team from Love Wimbledon.

The event was to mark the official opening of the property by Hotel du Vin, which acquired Cannizaro House in October last year.

Last Wednesday, Merton Council rejected a bid for the hotel to amend its licence to have a marquee at the front and to serve drinks until 2am.

Celebrations as late night licence rejected for Cannizaro House by Wimbledon Common

Neighbours objected to the plans based on concerns about noise and disruption to the area.

Mr Lewis said the hotel will re-submit another bid in due course.