'London's oldest chophouse' launches crowdfund after ‘landlord forces closure'

Simpson's Tavern, which claims to be London's oldest chophouse and was believed to have been frequented by author Charles Dickens, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to reopen after claiming it was forced to close by its landlord.

A statement published on the restaurant's website accused landlord Tavor Holdings of demanding full repayment of rent arrears built up during the pandemic.

The restaurant said its locks had been changed, lights turned out and its team displaced with stock "spoiling in the fridges".

The statement said the timing "could not be worse" with the pre-Christmas period "critical" to Simpson's revenues.

"For 265 years we have stood, undaunted by fire, flood, world wars, plague (or pandemic – you choose) and even Liz Truss's premiership. Today though we have been forced into closure by the actions of a cynical landlord," it said.

The crowdfund has so far raised more than £26,000 of a target of £385,000, part of which is expected to be paid to the restaurant team to compensate and retain them.

Thomas Simpson founded the present site of Simpson's in 1757, which was a gift to him from his father.

The restaurant added: "It would be a tragedy to see this unique part of the City of London and indeed this nation's history turn off the lights forever I fear, without the support there is no road back for this historic institution.

"The venue and stories soaked into its walls will be lost. Once we leave, we take it all and the shell that held us, may come to market, but it will never be the same again."

The Caterer was unable to contact landlord Tavor Holdings.

The Simpson's Tavern crowdfund can be viewed here.

Image: KURLIN_CAFe / Shutterstock