Yesterday marked a year since the shutters came down on Simpson’s Tavern, the stalwart City of London lunch spot that first opened in 1757. Over the years, its patrons have included everyone from Charles Dickens to politician Nigel Farage. When the Londoner’s Diary reported the closure, there was a national outcry.
But manager Benjamin Duggan tells The Londoner there is no end in sight for the chophouse’s legal battle with its landlords, who changed the locks a year ago. “It’s a crazy situation,” he says, “and it’s of no advantage to anyone.”
The restaurant got into rent arrears during the pandemic and the landlord demanded back payment, apparently leading to the closure. There is also talk of the freehold being sold.
The dispute is ongoing, with no clear resolution in sight. “We’ve been tied up for a whole year, a year without rent and a year when we couldn’t do anything with the restaurant. We probably could have paid off the arrears in that time,” says Duggan.
There is chance that Simpson’s could still be shuttered this time next year. If it closes permanently, Duggan fears “the venue and stories soaked into its walls will be lost”.
The closure last year prompted outrage from a number of quarters. Restaurant critic Giles Coren banged the drum for Simpsons and so did Mr Farage. This newspaper also spoke up for the iconic chophouse, encouraging donations from its wealthy City patrons.
Now as a protracted legal battle unfolds, it seems the courts will be left to decide its future.
