The Truscott Arms to close after £175k rent hike

Award-winning London gastropub The Truscott Arms has closed with immediate effect after losing a legal battle which saw its rent increase from £75,000 to £250,000.

Owners Andrew and Mary Jane Fishwick said the Maida Vale business had become ‘untenable’ now they faced paying back-dated rent of £330,000.

“We are incredibly proud of all that The Truscott Arms means,” Andrew said in a statement.

“Not just because we created an exceptional, award-winning pub but because we built a meaningful hub in our community. A hub that was run with passion by a loyal, dedicated team for all of our guests.

“It is with exceptional, profound devastation that we are closing the doors. We love this place, we love its soul and all of you who have contributed to it.”

The Fishwick’s wine bar The Truscott Cellar in Belsize Park will also close as a result of the rent increase, according to The Morning Advertiser.

However, the couple said they are planning to explore ‘new projects and new sites’ and will continue to support the industry to ensure ‘that British public houses are protected’.

The Truscott Arms opened in 2013 and was named the Sustainable Pub of the Year 2015 by the Sustainable Restaurant Association and took 47th place in this year’s Top 50 Gastropub Awards.