First Home of the Little Black Gallery is Sold
July 1, 2013
The Imperial Arms in Chelsea the first home of IT girl Tamara Beckwiths Little Black Gallery, has been sold by leading leisure agency, Davis Coffer Lyons . Owner Iain Heggie, is leaving the pub trade after over nine years to focus on project work at Denim Interiors – a leading design company run by his wife, Amelia.
The Little Black Gallery is now one of Londons top boutique photography galleries having been established by Beckwith along with Lindsey Carlos Clarke – widow of the late celebrity photographer, Bob – and Ghislain Pascal in 2008. Beckwith is currently a dealer on Channel Fours hit show Four Rooms. The Imperial Arms has been purchased by a private start-up company who plan to reconfigure the space in order to maximise the pubs potential while retaining a friendly and casual atmosphere.
The bar and lounge area will be refurbished and a new 50 seat restaurant will be created at the rear, complete with open plan kitchen. The restaurant menu will serve quirky British cuisine with a focus on healthy dishes and fresh local produce. There will also be new lunchtime, weekend brunch and take-away menus to cater for the needs of the areas workers and residents alike. The garden will also get a complete make-over providing space for guests to enjoy al fresco dining or just a drink in the sun.
Chris Bickle, Associate Director at DCL said: The Kings Road was made famous in the 60s and has never really gone out of fashion ever since. The western end, where The Imperial Arms is located, has an excellent catchment area that extends from Chelsea into Fulham and Parsons Green, which will suit the independent offering proposed.
The remainder of the 25 year tied lease with a passing rent of £61,000 per annum was sold off an asking price of £125,000. Susan Scott of Downs Solicitors acted for Mr Heggie and Hannah Bordiss of EMW acted for the purchasers.
