A steep rent increase threatened the viability of an iconic London pub due to a flawed valuation. MDE Pub Consultants stepped in to challenge the landlord’s methodology and push for a fair assessment.
The Blind Beggar, one of London’s most iconic pubs, faced a substantial rent increase imposed by the landlord during a rent review. The landlord sought to rentalise the upstairs accommodation as separate rental units, inflating the rental valuation and pushing the pub’s rent to an unsustainable level. Had this been allowed, it would have threatened the long-term viability of the business.
Understanding the critical impact of this proposed increase, MDE Pub Consultants stepped in to challenge the landlord’s valuation approach. We successfully argued that:
✅ The upstairs accommodation could not be rentalised, as it was not operated as a B&B and should remain part of the pub’s operational use.
✅ The landlord’s valuation model was flawed, as it incorrectly factored in separate residential rental income that did not reflect the true market rent for a pub business.
✅ The proposed increase was excessive and unrealistic, failing to take into account the operational nature of the premises.
Taking the case to arbitration, we demonstrated the fundamental flaws in the landlord’s case, securing a fair and sustainable rent agreement.
Through expert negotiation and strong legal arguments, we successfully reduced the proposed rent increase to a negligible level, ensuring:
✅ The Blind Beggar remained viable, with a sustainable rental agreement that reflected its true business model.
✅ The landlord’s attempt to inflate rent based on an incorrect residential valuation was completely dismissed.
✅ The pub continued to operate without excessive financial strain, allowing the tenant to focus on running a thriving business.
This case highlights how landlords may attempt to manipulate rental valuations by applying incorrect assumptions, particularly regarding non-pub revenue streams. Without expert guidance, tenants can find themselves locked into unaffordable agreements that jeopardise their business.
At MDE Pub Consultants, we ensure pub tenants only pay a fair and justified market rent, protecting them from unrealistic demands and securing long-term business success.
💬 Facing a rent review? Get in touch to discuss how we can help protect your business.
📣 A Word from the Landlord – David Dobson
“The rent increase initially proposed would have placed enormous financial strain on the business and threatened its future. Michael and the team at MDE Pub Consultants presented a clear, strategic argument that not only protected the pub but also ensured a fair and realistic rent agreement. Their expertise made all the difference in securing a successful outcome.”