Re coffee: I'm happy to agree to differ here - just a matter of taste I suppose . H&P have the raw ingredient and equipment but struggle on the delivery in my experience.

I wouldn't use a Costa either. We can make much better coffee at home and when out locally there is superb coffee available.

That all said, the point made by seeformiles is still valid. If enough people enjoy using the independents, as I do, then they shouldn't be threatened by a Costa.

Can't believe how long this is taking, how long's this place been empty (accessible to the walk in public) now? What with this and the places over the road taking forever I can't remenber what it's like to have places open that end of the street!!!

Anyone know any more on the future of The Old Bank?

If I had the money myself i'd open a good 'Pub' that serves good thin crust pizza.

Have I said that before?

This post was last modified: 04-01-2013 04:06 PM by Cheeky.

The current tenants are on a 2 month rolling notice arrangement. I understand some interest has been shown. Fingers crossed.

According to their Facebook page, it looks like the top secret current tenants at The Old Bank could be moving on at the end of March.

Any gossip on who or what might take over the site next?

And what do we have to do to lure the entrepreneurs behind a brilliant gastropub to our lovely little parade? I PROMISE to visit once a week for dinner. Will that do it? *hopeful face*

Yes it's true they're moving.
Have also heard that the owners of the Begging Bowl in Bellenden Road are looking to expand to new sites. Perhaps we could 'beg' them to move into the old bank...

Blimey, that would be BRILLIANT!

We're so lucky to have Babur, Hills & Parkes, Tapatisserie and Le Querce on our doorstep, but another great restaurant or a friendly foodie pub would be a fantastic addition.

There has been viewings and interest in the site but nothing confirmed as yet. I think it is now on the radar of a fair few gastro pubs / restaurants so fingers crossed

Just emailed one of the potential businesses mentioned in this thread and they reported that the landlord was asking for 'a ridiculous premium for a site which was almost derelict and a rent that is also over the top'..same old problem it seems...

Does anyone know this mysterious landlord or which estate agent is acting for him? Surely he'll be better off letting the unit out at a slightly lower rate than leaving it empty for months on end?

I'm wondering if we can make him aware of just how much enthusiasm there is locally for a new restaurant or pub in that spot.

Or perhaps he already knows and doesn't care. Sigh.

Don't know the landlord but you could try asking in Lilypads. Can't hurt to ask.

Consider another possibility: lots of landlords prefer corporate tenants on the basis that they provide a secure long term income so less risk. The complicating factor here is the idea of some sort of joint venture with Sainsburys. The presence of which would be expected to boost the market rate anyway.

Having said all that, if the current tenants have had their notice served (do we know this?) then this surely means that a deal has been struck. Hope it's a good one.

Have heard on good authority that the old bank site is still to let. This (below) confirms it. It shows it's still available via Willmotts and the rent is an eye-watering £34,500pa!
The current tenants are moving out at the beginning of April (last evening this weekend) so sadly it looks like it will go back to being an empty unit again.

http://www.showcase.co.uk/property/76-78...on/8076538

i hope somebody decent takes it on. it is becoming a bit of an eyesore. the cans and rubbish accumulating in the cellar window lights is not a good look.

maybe now the sbury's development is well underway will give some other business confidence to invest.

Yup the rent looks high but I dont know what the market rate is. There is a link through to the Late Knights Brewery on another thread where the guy involved talks about running pubs that serve food. About one in Bromley he says:

Rent and Rates at the Old Bank would need just over 800 quid of that before you had to cover other costs like staff, produce, power, etc...and then profit.

It is interesting to see some of the numbers involved - I'm sure I'm not the only person here who has had pipe dreams of setting up a shop in SE23 and not really being able to get my head round the likely costs and takings.

Interestingly, on looking for how much restaurants take per week in general in London I found this...

A Tapas Restaurant

It's probably mostly from the sale of alcohol!

That is interesting. Tapatisserie for sale then? I think our parade is going to go through a massive change. Still, it goes to show perhaps £34K could be possible for the right business.

argh, more change, I would have preferred to get the other places sorted first..

This would be a very scary venture for an independent trader to take on, with yearly rent at £34,500 plus business rates! Based on the LITTLE knowledge I have and looking at the sq footage I wouldn't be surprised if the business rates would cost anything from 5/10k per year. Saying that I have thought for a while that a really good quality wine/seafood/suchi bar would be great for the area, and might do well.

Actually looks like Tapatisserie is being sold as a going concern so prob not much change...