One of the key strengths of Bruce Gillingham Pollard, is our range of clients and the diversity of the projects we work on. These instructions stretch from standalone shops and restaurant units, to large development projects nationwide. We work on established shopping centres, as well as successful Estates and our portfolio of projects stretch right the way from Zone 1 prime luxury districts, to market towns and key national cities such as Edinburgh and Cardiff.

This strength has become even more pronounced and relevant during the last 12 months, as many City Centres have seen the impact of office workers remaining at home and a lack of international tourists. In the meantime we have seen neighbourhood villages, market towns and out of town parks often thrive, as people are keen to eat and shop local. As a direct result of our range of instructions, we have been able to continue engagement access to the narrow band of tenants who remain active in the market and ensure there is cross fertilisation of ideas and relationships throughout our team which has benefited all of our instructions.

As we start the beginning of a New Year, we continue to see strong interest from tenants, looking to capitalise on the changes in consumer behaviour, with strong interest from food stores, fitness and wellness concepts and restaurants seeking to open in neighbourhood locations such as St Johns Wood, Dulwich Village, Queens Park, Ealing, Notting Hill and Brixton. One trend which has been interesting to observe, is the shift in locations being sought be restaurant operators. Many pre Covid wanted central West End locations, but have now reassessed their priorities and appreciate the relevance of residential deliveries and a local neighbourhood customer.

Our ability to reach potential tenants and share contacts and ideas across our team, is an important element of the success of our business and allows us to provide sound and relevant advice to both our leasing clients and our investment colleagues, allowing them to target locations which are vibrant and sustainable for the long term on behalf of  their investment clients.

Bruce Gillingham Pollard are delighted to have advised an overseas client on the recent acquisition of HSBC in Lincoln.

It completes the acquisition of three HSBC banks from Aviva, alongside Kingston Upon Thames & Brighton, acquired separately over the past two years for overseas clients.

The property is let to HSBC Bank Plc for a further seven years with annual RPI reviews.

Great to work with Lottie Hayward & Andy Pointon once again at Allsop LLP who acted for the vendors.

Please contact Jack Barratt in our Investment Team for details on our overseas requirements.

Bruce Gillingham Pollard are pleased to announce the appointment of Harry Cody-Owen as Associate Director.

Harry has specialised in F&B and Leisure for 6 years and joins from Lunson Mitchenall where he predominantly acted on behalf of Institutional Landlords. Having advised on Lakeside, Festival Place Basingstoke, Chapelfield Norwich, Eldon Square Newcastle and Elephant and Castle, Harry has a strong understanding of this fast moving market. This knowledge is further enhanced by his work with occupier in securing new sites and he brings retained clients Providence Bay, Jungle Mania and The BOK Shop.

Harry will join the National team focusing on the letting of the Hammerson F&B and leisure portfolio, across 6 of Hammerson’s UK sites, including, The Oracle Reading, Cabot Circus Bristol, Highcross Leicester, West Quay Southampton, Victoria Leeds and The Bullring/ Grand Central Birmingham.

Harry comments “We are currently undergoing a correction in the retail market, as shopping habits change and physical retail declines. We need to consider new ways to deliver exciting destinations and I believe my experience in the F&B and the leisure market will help greatly, as this evolving sectors continues to develop, as consumer priorities “the experience.”

Victoria Broadhead, Head of Bruce Gillingham Pollards National team remarks “We are really excited to have Harry joining the team at BGP, his experience and passion echoes BGPs ethos”.

There is a lot to be excited about for 2020, not least the announcement before Christmas that Club Mexicana Taqueria have taken a permanent restaurant in Carnaby’s Kingly Court.

Club Mexicana’s mouthwatering tacos are both innovative and moreish and, completely unbelievably, totally vegan. They are a superb example of the new, high benchmark of quality for plant-based cuisine. We know that they will be a huge hit when they open their doors in a few months.

Our Head of Brand Representation, Nick Garston, advised Club Mexicana on the acquisition and commented:

“Club Mex are really at the pinnacle of what is exciting about plant-based food in the current London restaurant scene. They have a loyal following by meat and non-meat eaters alike who I know will be as excited as me to see them take this permanent space in the heart of the West End.”

For more information on the letting or Club Mexicana’s requirements, please contact Nick Garston.

This summer saw the opening of ‘Lost in Brixton’, a ‘hidden’ jungle-themed roof terrace with capacity for 440. This is the fifth venue from Incipio group who are also behind The Prince in West Brompton and the Pergola sites in Paddington and Olympia.

Following a similar winning formula to their other venues, Lost in Brixton features live music, local draft beer and a retractable for the summer evenings. However, unlike their previous venues, the food offer is sourced exclusively through existing traders within Brixton Village and makes use of a bespoke app ‘Tablesnappr’ which enables customers to order food from the market which is then delivered to your table.

We acted for the landlord, Hondo, on their acquisition of Brixton Village last year and continue to advise on the leasing and commercialisation strategy. Please contact Woody Bruce for further information.