Good points Anotherjohn.

Here are some more figures to help everyone form an opinion:

The Old Bank is 1,796 sqft and at £34,500pa rental the cost is £19.20/sqft with £7,900pa business rates on top.

Tapatisserie is 1,158 sqft and at £23,500pa the rental is £20.29/sqft with £3,300pa business rates on top.

So, not much in it per sq/ft if you are looking to open a restaurant in Honor Oak Park except that you have to pay £150,000 for Tapatisserie as a going concern and all fixtures and fittings etc.

Tapatisserie quote their turnover as £5,500/£6,000pw which is £286,000/312,000pa and split 50/50 drink/food. Imagine how much more that would increase if they improved the quality and selection of their tapas (imho).

I would imagine the landlords with space to let would be advised to keep rent high and hold out by the estate agents (for that is how they make their money is it not) especially as Sainsbury's is coming to town and everyone is hoping that they will sprinkle some magic in our area. It may take another year or so but I think HOP will be a smarter better place.

Just my tuppence