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King's Lynn pub’s future still unclear as negotiations fall through




A businessman who was set to reopen the Lattice House in Lynn has said it is “heart-breaking” that negotiations with the operator have fallen through.

Adam Noble said he and his fellow licensee at the Jolly Brewers in Shouldham had interviewed staff, and a website and menus had been created, but the agreement fell through in the final stages of negotiations last week.

The historic pub on Chapel Street, which closed suddenly at the end of July, had been reopened as the Lattice House in April after the business’ previous incarnation as Bishops of Chapel Street came to an end in January.

Lattice House on Chapel Street, King's Lynn (15445188)
Lattice House on Chapel Street, King's Lynn (15445188)

Mr Noble said he had verbally agreed a deal to take over the Lattice House with a representative from operator Hawthorn Leisure a couple of weeks ago, but when it came to receiving the written agreement last week, certain parts of it were “not what they had agreed”.

The “fundamental differences” were the contract said it was “tied” – meaning they would have to use certain suppliers – and it would be run on a day-by-day basis with no notice period.

“We simply cannot agree to a deal that can be ended at any time,” Mr Noble said.

“That isn’t fair on us as a business, as it makes any kind of investment impossible, it isn’t fair on local suppliers who supply to a business that could close overnight and most importantly it isn’t fair to recruit a team of local people to work there knowing their jobs could be over any day at the hands of a huge operator.”

This was the second time in eight months that Mr Noble and his business partner had entered negotiations to reopen the Lattice House, as they had hoped to take it over at the start of the year.

“We have been very clear with the owners of the Lattice House that we want a long-term agreement to stabilise the business and to grow it,” Mr Noble added.

“It’s heart-breaking, I think it’s one of the most beautiful buildings in King’s Lynn.”

A spokesman for Hawthorn Leisure said tenancy at will agreements, which can be ended at any time by the tenant or the landlord, are “common”.

He said they were “disappointed” that their offer was “turned down”.

“We always look to develop mutually-beneficial long-term relationships with our partners, however it is common in the industry to offer tenancy at will as it provides a settling-in period for both pub partner and pub company, giving flexibility to either party in the event of any challenges or changing circumstances.

“The Lattice House is a fantastic pub which has been part of the community in King’s Lynn for centuries. We’re interested in hearing from anybody who would be interested in the pub and has the drive and passion for this historic site.”



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