Simpson’s Tavern

One of London’s Oldest Restaurants, 265-Year-Old Simpson’s, Must Close | Eater London

"A historic chophouse that opened in the heart of the City of London in 1757 says it has been forcibly closed after its landlord, Tavor Holdings Limited (incorporated in Bermuda) represented by Hartnell Taylor Cook Limited, allegedly changed the locks, turned out the lights and displaced the team despite rent having been paid through December 2022 and bookings already taken. The owners describe the landlord’s actions as “cynical” and “callous,” with stock left to spoil in fridges and staff removed from a venue they say has survived fires, world wars, an industrial revolution and pandemics over 265 years. Manager Benjamin Duggan maintains the business is solvent — reporting higher revenues in October 2022 than October 2019 — but says a winding-up petition for rent arrears was issued after a “sensible offer” to repay owed rent over the lease period was rejected and the landlord demanded immediate payment; Hartnell Taylor Cook did not respond to questions about its client. A crowdfunder to support the venue had raised just over £20,000 (about 5% of a £385,000 target) at the time of reporting." - Adam Coghlan