Antique traders Bennet and Brown win fight to stay in Finsbury Park shop after landlord offers new lease

Triumphant: the owners of Bennet and Brown thank supporters

The owners of an antiques shop in Finsbury Park that was facing closure have thanked the “good people of Highbury” after they were handed a new lease.

Independent antiques traders Bennet and Brown started a petition after apparently receiving sudden notice in October to vacate their shop on Mountgrove Road.

The shop’s co-owner Dominic Bennet told the Hackney Citizen in October that landlord Brownlow Developments planned to “carve the shop in two” so it could be turned into a flat.

“We’ve had no discussions with the landlord whatsoever. It all happened very suddenly and they haven’t been in touch at all,” he said.

But the shop owners used people power to mount a fight back, and their petition was signed by over 500 residents and customers.

Dominic Bennet of Bennet and Brown

Yesterday (25 November), a triumphant message on the front door of the shop proclaimed victory.

“We Won!” it exclaimed.

“I have been offered a new five year lease by my landlord.

“They did not reckon on the good people of Highbury!

“I am so grateful to all those who signed the petition, registered objections online and came in to express support with kind words.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

The shop has restored antiques and furniture for prestigious clients including the Spanish Embassy and Westminster Cathedral for the last 10 years.

Brownlow Developments claim to have offered Bennet and Brown a lease extension in July, contrary to the shop’s claim that the notice to vacate came suddenly.

John Martin from Cluttons, which represents the landlord, said: “Following four months of negotiations we have now agreed the terms of a new five year lease with Bennet and Brown on Mountgrove Road. This arrangement stems from an initial lease extension offered to Bennet & Brown in July.

“By committing to the new lease Bennet and Brown will be able to continue operating in its existing premises and the landlord will benefit from having a reliable tenant that is committed to the property for at least the next five years.”