Park Tavern managers fight eviction after £150k refurbishment

The managers of the Park Tavern in Southfields have been ordered to leave the pub by 5 August after investing more than £150,000 to restore the building. Star Pubs, the freeholder and part of Heineken UK, served a section 25 notice opposing the renewal of the lease held by MFM Pub Group. The notice followed what MFM described as months of disputes over beer orders and fines.

Amir Matinahmadi, director of MFM Pub Group, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that Star Pubs repeatedly withheld beer orders when the pub fell behind on rent. He said the company then fined MFM £3,500 for sourcing stock from other suppliers to keep the pub open. Matinahmadi claimed the fines and supply issues created an unworkable environment for the business.

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Lease dispute centres on tied tenancy terms

The Park Tavern operates under a tied tenancy, requiring MFM to purchase beer exclusively from Star Pubs. Matinahmadi said this arrangement made it difficult to manage costs and maintain operations. He accused Star Pubs of acting in bad faith during informal negotiations over lease renewal, which he said gave MFM false hope the tenancy would continue.

Star Pubs told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that MFM could not remain at the pub due to serious issues during their tenure. A spokesperson said the company had received interest from other operators keen to take over the site. The spokesperson added that Star Pubs had invested £328 million in its pubs since 2018 and planned to reopen the Park Tavern after essential repairs.

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Community rallies behind current management

A petition launched by Putney councillor Jasmin Glynne calling for MFM to remain at the Park Tavern has gathered over 1,000 signatures in two weeks. Glynne said the pub had become a thriving local hub under MFM’s management and urged Star Pubs to listen to the community. Putney MP Fleur Anderson has also written to the Pubs Code Adjudicator requesting an investigation into the dispute.

It broke us, telling staff that the venue is going to be taken away from us and they might have to find new jobs.

Amir Matinahmadi, director of MFM Pub Group

Matinahmadi said the prospect of eviction had taken a heavy toll on staff, who now face uncertainty over their jobs. He described the situation as a David and Goliath battle, with MFM determined to fight the decision. The group plans to challenge the eviction through the Pubs Code Adjudicator, the independent body overseeing tied pub tenancies in England.

Historic pub at risk of closure

The Park Tavern was built in 1902 and extended in 1926. It holds a two-star rating on the Campaign for Real Ale’s national inventory for its interior of very special historic interest. Matinahmadi said the £150,000 investment by MFM had restored the pub to its former role as a community hub after it fell into disrepair under previous management.

Star Pubs said it planned to carry out essential repairs before reopening the pub under new management. The company also outlined longer-term plans to refurbish the ground floor and exterior, which it said required investment. It is unclear when the pub will reopen if MFM vacates the premises as ordered.

What happens next

MFM Pub Group has until 5 August to leave the Park Tavern, though the company disputes the validity of the eviction. No court proceedings for possession have been issued, which MFM says means the tenancy remains in place. The group has referred the dispute to the Pubs Code Adjudicator, which will decide whether to investigate the case.

Putney MP Fleur Anderson’s letter to the adjudicator may accelerate the process. If the adjudicator finds in favour of MFM, Star Pubs could be required to renew the lease or compensate the group. If the adjudicator rules against MFM, the company will have to vacate the pub by the deadline or face legal action for remaining in the property.