QHA Limited Signs 3rd Site in Marylebone
February 22, 2012
Multiple pub operator, QHA Limited, has increased its presence in Central London by signing a new lease on the former Duke of York on New Cavendish Street, Marylebone.
Acting on behalf of the Howard de Walden Estate, Davis Coffer Lyons Pubs and Bars agreed a 20 year free of tie lease at a passing rent of £92,500 per annum exclusive. The new tenant has taken the ground, first and basement levels of the property which was previously occupied by family brewer Samuel Smith. The unit is currently undergoing extensive refurbishment before the pub reopens after Easter under the new name, The Fat of the Land. Howard De Walden Estate converted the remaining three upper floors into two exclusive flats which are currently occupied.
QHA Limited, led by Michael Kittos and Tony Wolfe, already operate two acclaimed dining pubs in Central London; The Queens Head and Artichoke on Albany Street close to Regents Park, which was opened in 2002 and The Norfolk Arms near Russell Square, which opened in 2006. The duo were part of the early gastro pub movement in London with their first venture, The Peasant in Clerkenwell, which opened in 1993 and was later sold.
The Fat of the Land will serve pan-Mediterranean style food upstairs in Regency-style dining room for more than 50 covers, with bar-seating and food also served on the ground floor. The pub will open seven days a week, serving breakfast from 7am on weekdays to take advantage of the substantial office and residential population in the area. The menu will be centred around fresh, seasonal produce made on-site.
Chris Bickle, Associate Director, Davis Coffer Lyons, said, The Howard de Walden Estates vision was to identify an operator that would enhance this traditional public house with a balanced and well presented food and drink and offering. This unit was a unique proposition; a nil premium and free of tie lease within a short distance of the world famous Marylebone High Street. It was no surprise that we conducted dozens of viewings and received numerous expressions of interest from a vast array of people.
Michael Kittos, added, We had been looking for some time for our next opportunity. We felt that Marylebone had the perfect blend of village ambiance and bustling office community, and that there was a real gap in the market in this area to expand our concept.
Davis Coffer Lyons advised the Howard de Walden Estate. QHA Limited was advised by Chris Heard.
