Star Pubs orders Park Tavern managers to leave after £150,000 restoration

The managers of the Park Tavern in Southfields have been ordered to leave the pub by 5 August, despite investing more than £150,000 in its restoration. Star Pubs, the pub’s freeholder and part of Heineken UK, served MFM Pub Group with a section 25 notice opposing the renewal of their lease.

Amir Matinahmadi, representing MFM Pub Group, said the company had transformed the historic building into a community hub after it fell into disrepair. He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that Star Pubs had repeatedly withheld beer orders when rent payments were late, then fined MFM for sourcing stock elsewhere.

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Dispute over lease and legal next steps

MFM’s tenancy was due to expire in June, but Matinahmadi claimed Star Pubs gave them "false hope" of renewal during informal negotiations. He disputes that the tenancy has ended, as no court proceedings for possession have been issued. MFM plans to refer the case to the Pubs Code Adjudicator.

Putney MP Fleur Anderson has written to the adjudicator, calling for an investigation into the dispute. She said: "The Park Tavern is an important part of our community, and I have serious concerns about the way the current management has been treated."

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The Park Tavern is one of the most beloved spots in this part of Putney. Residents have watched the current management transform it into a thriving, welcoming local. After investing so much into restoring the building, they deserve to be treated fairly.

Jasmin Glynne, Putney councillor

Community support and Star Pubs’ response

A Change.org petition set up by Putney councillor Jasmin Glynne has gathered over 1,000 signatures in two weeks. Glynne said residents were "in uproar" over the decision, with many emailing MFM to urge them to fight the eviction.

Matinahmadi described the situation as a "David and Goliath battle", saying the team was devastated by the prospect of losing the pub. He added that staff members, some of whom have worked at the Park Tavern for years, now face uncertainty over their jobs.

A Star Pubs spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that MFM could not remain due to "serious issues" during their tenure. The company said it had invested £328 million in its pubs since 2018 and £44.5 million this year, with plans to reopen the Park Tavern after essential repairs.

What happens next

MFM Pub Group has until 5 August to vacate the Park Tavern, unless a legal challenge succeeds. The company plans to escalate the dispute to the Pubs Code Adjudicator, with support from local politicians and residents. Star Pubs said it had received interest from other operators to take over the pub.