We need a pub!

Day 1

We need a pub, we have a pub, but unfortunately the ultimate freeholder wants to redevelop the building which means our lease will almost definitely not be renewed… so we need a pub. The hubby (aka “Grumpy Pete”) is quite particular, about everything as it goes, but in particular he’s particular about his pub. He only likes pubs in the City, that is to say in the 1 square mile of the City of London known as “The City”.  So not a huge area to look in, and probably one of the most pricey square miles in the UK, if not on the planet!  To be clear, we’re not talking about buying something freehold; nearly every building in the City is owned offshore by investment firms. We’re talking leasing something at huge cost. However, the problem is three fold 1. There’s bugger all up for lease, 2. What is for lease will go to large established oeprators ie pub companies rather than independents like Grumpy Pete Ltd and 3. Quite frankly we don’t have a spare £300k+ for legals, deposits, acquiring fixtures and fittings etc. So what to do?

Hubby gets on the internet, browses a few commercial property agents sites and comes across a ground floor site in the City. It’s on Fenchurch St so great location. Corner plot, we like that. Bottom of an office block, nice. Lovely traditional outside façade, tick. Been up for lease for a while, we wonder why?  Make an enquiry, it would normally have been snapped up by a Subway or the like but since Covid there's less footfall etc... It's way too much work for a brewery to bother as they jsut all buy each other's sites let's be honest. I thoufht Hubby had lsot his Grumpy mind and we no idea how to fiannce or fot somethign liek that out. Honestly, I thought they'd say no to us, not enough assets, or money or whatever so I just went along with it... Didn't think they'd be mad enought to say Yes and couldn't be bothered to argue again. Life seemed very full of arguments atm. Mainly about fidning a pub!