Community Unites to Support South London Pub Managers Facing Eviction by Heineken

Residents have come together in support of the management team at a South London pub, who are facing eviction by Heineken’s pub division after investing over £150,000 in its restoration. A petition advocating for the continued presence of the managers at the cherished Park Tavern in Southfields has garnered in excess of a thousand signatures.

Community Investment and Management Challenges

Amir Matinahmadi, representing the pub’s leaseholder MFM Pub Group, shared that significant work had been undertaken to rejuvenate the historic establishment, which had suffered from neglect under previous ownership. Matinahmadi explained that the situation deteriorated when Star Pubs, part of Heineken UK, took control of the venue in October 2024 under a tied tenancy agreement. This arrangement requires tenants to purchase stock exclusively from the landlord, a condition that Matinahmadi argues has severely limited their operational capabilities.

He alleged that Star Pubs has repeatedly withheld beer orders when the pub fell behind on rent payments, imposing fines when management sought alternative suppliers to sustain service, including a recent penalty of £3,500. “It’s an ongoing struggle, especially in an already challenging environment,” Matinahmadi lamented.

Dispute Over Tenancy Renewal

Star Pubs has asserted that MFM’s tenure cannot continue due to “serious issues” encountered during their time managing the establishment and has indicated interest from other operators looking to take over. Although MFM’s lease was set to expire in June, Matinahmadi expressed that they were given “false hope” regarding renewal during informal discussions with Star Pubs, accusing the company of acting in bad faith.

Following the issuance of a section 25 notice opposing lease renewal, Star Pubs requested that MFM vacate the premises by August 5. Matinahmadi stated that MFM is contesting the end of the tenancy, as no legal proceedings for possession have been initiated. The uncertainty surrounding the pub’s future has taken a significant emotional toll on the team, particularly concerning their staff. “It was devastating to inform our team that the venue might be taken from us, forcing them to seek new employment,” he reflected.

Community Support and Future Steps

Despite the challenges, MFM has received considerable backing from the local community, with Matinahmadi characterising the situation as a “David and Goliath battle” to secure their place in the pub. Plans are underway to escalate the dispute to the Pubs Code Adjudicator, with Putney MP Fleur Anderson also advocating for an investigation into the matter. “The community has rallied behind us,” Matinahmadi noted, “With numerous messages urging us to persist and not relinquish the pub.”

Councillor Jasmin Glynne has initiated a Change.org petition advocating for MFM’s right to remain at the pub, which has attracted over 1,000 signatures within a fortnight. She has raised concerns about the treatment of MFM by Star Pubs alongside MP Anderson. “The Park Tavern is a beloved fixture in our area,” Glynne stated. “Residents have witnessed the current management transform it into a thriving community hub. After their substantial investment in restoring the venue, they deserve fair treatment. I urge Star Pubs to heed the community’s call and retain the existing management.”

Historical Significance of the Park Tavern

MP Anderson also emphasised the importance of the Park Tavern to the local community, expressing grave concerns regarding the treatment of its current management team. She has requested that the Pubs Code Adjudicator investigate the circumstances surrounding the eviction. “The Park Tavern holds significant value for local residents, and I stand in solidarity with them in wanting to see it remain under its current management,” she affirmed.

Originally built in 1902 and expanded in 1926, the pub is noted for its historic relevance, receiving a two-star rating from the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) due to its “very special national historic interest.” A spokesperson for Star Pubs responded to the situation, stating that they cannot disclose specific details regarding the operator’s business dealings but confirmed that MFM could not continue due to serious issues during their management.

“We are committed to ensuring that pubs remain open and successful,” the spokesperson asserted. “Since 2018, we have invested £328 million into our pubs and are allocating an additional £44.5 million this year to secure their futures. The Park Tavern is a lovely establishment in an excellent location, and we have received interest from prospective operators eager to take it on once it is vacated. Our goal is to reopen the Park Tavern promptly after essential repairs and, in the long term, to undertake a refurbishment of the ground floor trading area and exterior, both of which require investment.”

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