Victory securing a new future for Franklins of East Dulwich
April 30, 2026
Feted neighbourhood restaurant Franklin’s in East Dulwich is to undergo a reinvention, re-launching as pub and restaurant The Victory in May. Davis Coffer Lyons was appointed to assign the lease by its long-time owners Tim Sheehan and Rod Franklin, who is retiring after 26 years in business there.
The new owners are well embedded in the community; a small group of long-time customers are partnering with Jamie Younger – the owner of Peckham’s popular Begging Bowl Thai restaurant – to ensure the much-loved local receives a fitting new lease of life. Jamie is no stranger to East Dulwich either, having run The Palmerston there for 7 years, with his wife Rema Waterhouse, who will run the front-of-house at The Victory, which takes the name of the pub which once traded there, and which will offer “British ingredient-led cooking with a modern French bistro influence”.
Executive Chef Seán Breen (recently at Noble Rot) will oversee the menu at the prominent 2,000 sq ft corner site, which accommodates 70 covers across restaurant and bar, with an additional 26 covers externally. The wine list will focus on French regional classics, and a special martini menu will also be available.
DCL Associate Director Louie Gazdar said “Changes to the ownership of neighbourhood institutions such as Franklins can pique interest and attract comment. We are proud to have carried out a confidential, competitive marketing process, securing a fitting premium for the vendor, and we are delighted to see the future of this great venue secured, in experienced and local hands. East Dulwich is a thriving neighbourhood which attracts both local independents and larger F&B brands; with DCL advising numerous landlords and tenants on various properties in the area in recent years.”
