Weightmans specialises in acting for clients in the education, licensed leisure and social housing sectors, counting Greene King, York University and Clarion Housing Association on its client roster. The team is regularly instructed to handle trespassing and vacant possession claims as well as forfeitures, and it is also well versed in tenancy contract disputes. Ben Mackenzie leads the practice and is a key contact for pub companies seeking contentious estate management advice, especially in respect of landlord and tenant disputes. Reena Richards is a key contact for leasing disputes.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team is a specialist in the pub property space, with knowledge of the applicable law and associated matters of influence that is second to none. Hard-working and tenacious.’
‘Leading firm in pub real estate litigation.’
‘This practice is very professional and approachable. They will advise on all options with honesty. They keep you updated promptly.’
‘Ben Mackenzie always puts the client first. He is very approachable and professional. He is patient and will explain any concerns or options clearly and concisely.’
‘Ben Stephens: hard-nosed old-school litigator but sensible and proportionate with it. Great fun to work with.’
Key clients
- Admiral Taverns
- Clarion Housing Association Limited
- Fuller, Smith & Turner PLC
- Greene King
- Leeds City Council
- Punch Pubs & Co
- York University
Work highlights
- Acted for Admiral Taverns on the removal of a trespasser in a caravan on one of the pub company’s leased pub sites and in possession proceedings which were successfully brought against it to recover vacant possession of the site and legal costs.
- Advised Punch Pubs on the recovery of a lease public house in relation to the tenant’s breaches of lease terms.
- Acted for Punch Pubs in a statutory arbitration under the Commercial Rent Coronavirus Act 2022 to determine one tenant’s applications for 100% relief of rents due in the protected Coronavirus period.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Ben Mackenzie