When seeking a free-of-tie lease, the tenants of The Nightingale on the Green faced an excessive rent demand. MDE Pub Consultants stepped in to challenge the valuation and represent them before an Independent Assessor.
The Nightingale on the Green, a well-known pub in Wanstead, is famously owned by football legend Frank Lampard. The operators sought to go free-of-tie to gain greater control over their supply chain, increase profitability, and future-proof the business.
However, the landlord responded with a substantial rent increase, making the proposed MRO lease financially unworkable. With both parties unable to agree on a fair market rent, the case was escalated to an Independent Assessor for determination.
Recognising the importance of this transition for the pub’s future, MDE Pub Consultants stepped in to:
✅ Challenge the landlord’s excessive valuation and present a case for a fair market rent.
✅ Gather strong comparative evidence to support a more reasonable rent assessment.
✅ Expertly represent the tenants before the Independent Assessor to ensure the best possible outcome.
Using our deep expertise in rent negotiations, MRO leases, and valuation disputes, we successfully countered the landlord’s inflated rent demands, demonstrating that a marginal rent increase—rather than a drastic hike—was the true market value.
Following an Independent Rent Assessment, we secured a market rent that was only a marginal increase from the original tied rent—a huge win for the tenants. As a result:
✅ The Nightingale on the Green successfully moved to a free-of-tie lease.
✅ The business is now significantly more profitable, with savings on beer and supplier costs.
✅ The pub has greater independence, allowing it to curate a unique, high-quality drinks and food offering without supplier restrictions.
This case underscores the importance of expert negotiation and strategic representation when dealing with landlords who attempt to inflate MRO rents to discourage free-of-tie agreements. Without a strong challenge and independent assessment, many tenants could be forced into unsustainable rental terms or remain tied under less favorable conditions.
At MDE Pub Consultants, we specialise in securing fair market rents for tenants going through the MRO process, ensuring they achieve financial freedom and long-term sustainability.
📣 A Word from Frank Lampard
“Taking The Nightingale on the Green free-of-tie was a huge step for the business, but the initial rent demand made it seem impossible. Michael and the team at MDE Pub Consultants were instrumental in turning this around. Their expertise and determination ensured we secured a fair market rent, giving us the freedom and flexibility to take the business forward on our own terms. The pub is now in a stronger position financially and set up for long-term success. I’d highly recommend their services to any tenant looking to break free and secure a better deal.”