BBPA – leased and tenanted pubs secure average support of £27,000 while landlords give pub companies ‘but a fraction’: The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has said leased and tenanted pubs have received, on average, £27,000 each in support from their pub companies – while commercial landlords have given just a fraction of that total to pub-operating businesses. The data was revealed by the BBPA as part of the government’s call for evidence on commercial rents and covid-19, which is due to close on Tuesday (4 May). It added the financial support received by operators has come in the form of reduced or waived rent, as well as other support such as help with reopening costs, refunds for spoilt beer and staff protective personal equipment. It added, in terms of reduced rent and charges waived, this equates to around 85% of average annual rent. Meanwhile, pub-operating businesses have received “but a fraction” of the same support for pubs they rent from commercial landlords, with many not receiving any rent discounts at all. The trade association said this contrast between leased and tenanted pub support and commercial landlord support highlights the benefits of the unique leased and tenanted model, which sees entrepreneurs work in partnership with pub operators to run their own pub businesses. It added that with the government’s call for evidence, it is important heavy-handed legislation aimed at commercial landlords does not cut across leased and tenanted pub operators and pub entrepreneurs, undermining their collaboration that would hamper a model, which has given thousands of pubs the best possible chance of bouncing back strongly. BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “Although it’s been a difficult one, the last year has shown just how important the leased and tenanted model is in ensuring Britain’s unique pubs survive and thrive. Without it, thousands of pubs wouldn’t be in the position they are today to reopen and recover. The government is doing the right thing by consulting on commercial landlords who have not supported tenants in their buildings. However, any measures bought about from the consultation must not cut across the leased and tenanted pub model and undermine the successful collaboration between pub tenant and operator, which has only strengthened since the crisis.”

Crime-themed immersive escape room experience to launch in central London next month: A crime-themed immersive escape room experience is to launch in central London next month. Produced by Rogue Productions, the creators of the sell-out experience Heist in 2014, The Perfect Crime “will combine immersive theatre, live, action, a gripping story line, problem and puzzle solving, and a race against the clock”. Groups of two to six will have an hour to get their hands on the stolen painting of Rembrandt’s The Storm on the Sea of Galilee and claim the $1m reward being offered by the FBI or chance their arm on the Black Market. They will have to overcome extensive security systems by unlocking high-tech locks, cracking unbreakable safes, crawl through the laser matrix and disable alarms to complete the mission. Afterwards, participants will be able to grab a brink from the Deli Bar. Rogue Productions director Dean Rodgers said: “We have taken the best of immersive theatre and escape games to make this the cutting edge of both. We have designed every detail, so you feel the real thrill of committing the perfect crime. This is a high-octane experience that makes you the star of your own heist movie. Nothing could be more fun than getting away with it.” The Perfect Crime, which has been designed in line with current covid-19 guidelines, will launch at the Theatre Deli in Finsbury Avenue on Friday, 18 Jun

Burmese restaurant concept Lahpet to double up with Covent Garden restaurant opening: Burmese restaurant concept Lahpet is to open its second site, in The Yards, Covent Garden. The 2,500 square foot site at 21 Slingsby Place is set to open later in the year. Lahpet opened its first site in Shoreditch, east London, in 2018. Founders Dan Anton and head chef Zaw Mahesh, who are both of Burmese heritage, will offer a menu serving small and large plates and noodle bowls, including the restaurant’s namesake dish, Lahpet Thohk, the infamous pickled tea leaf salad, and also other classic dishes such as Mohinga (catfish and lemongrass chowder) and coconut noodles with chicken. There will also be a creative cocktail list and house-made fermented drinks offering. Anton said: “Covent Garden’s bustling and vibrant community is the ideal place for us to branch out. We are sure Lahpet Covent Garden will be a huge success and we can’t wait to get started on our latest venture.” CBRE is the asset manager on behalf of Longmartin Properties – a joint venture between Shaftesbury and the Mercers’ Company – and Colliers, and DCL acted for The Yards. Lahpet represented itself.