The Telegraph reports that the Boglione family, which also owns well-known Richmond restaurant Petersham Nurseries, is set for crunch talks with Shaftesbury Capital over a rental dispute related to the two Covent Garden restaurants.
It is understood that the rental dispute only relates to The Petersham and La Goccia and not the wider Petersham Nurseries business, which also includes a wine bar and deli in Covent Garden.
According to The Telegraph, Petersham UK Limited, which runs the businesses, has already submitted two High Court filings in a month to declare an intention to appoint administrators, designed to give the company breathing space while attempting to negotiate lower rents.
The Petersham and La Goccia were both launched by the Boglione family in 2018.
Lara Boglione, eldest daughter of Francesco and Gael Boglione, who opened Petersham Nurseries in 2004, leads the business and previously warned back in November that the rent dispute with Shaftesbury Capital could lead to the closure of The Petersham and La Goccia.
Speaking to the FT at the time, she said: “In order for the businesses’ continued viability we need to resolve this as soon as possible, having already made extensive efforts to [have] constructive discussions with the landlord.”
The Telegraph says it understands talks have been underway in recent weeks, although a resolution to the discussions has been delayed by the festive period.