Weightmans frequently assists clients in the licensed and leisure sectors, advising national pub companies such as Greene King and Punch Pubs & Co on contentious lease renewals, rent recovery issues and possession claims. Leeds-based practice head Ben Mackenzie is well versed in the Market Rent Only option of the Pubs Code. He is supported by Reena Richards.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘In the sphere of my involvement/collaboration with the firm, relating to the Pubs Code, it is a true centre of excellence and eminently user friendly.’
‘Ben Mackenzie - highly experienced; commercial and proactive.’
‘Excellent property litigators with a genuine expertise in PubCo matters.’
‘Ben Mackenzie - an absolute and utter joy to work with. Manages to take the clients and the work very seriously but never himself.’
‘I mainly deal with Ben Mackenzie. Ben is very professional but approachable. He will help guide and advise the best options in what we are working on. All the team who work alongside Ben are very helpful.’
‘Ben Mackenzie is someone who is very approachable, friendly and helpful. I have known and worked with Ben for many years and always trust his views on cases I have been involved in. I would highly recommend him.’
‘The team is very thorough, hardworking and keep you in the loop. They are very informed in their specific areas and continually exceed expectation.’
‘Reena Richards stands out as she is very organised, informed and keeps you involved with all aspects of whatever she is completing.’
Key clients
- Kent County Council
- Punch Pubs & Co
- Greene King
- Admiral Taverns
- Leeds City Council
- Clarion Housing Association Limited
- York University
- Fuller, Smith &Turner PLC
- AND Group Limited
- Northern Retail Consortium Limited
- Cheshire West and Chester Council
Work highlights
- Acting for University of York in a £9m claim for dilapidations and reinstatement costs.
- Acting for a leading UK Pub Co in lease renewal claims relating to tenanted pubs under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and advising in relation to the Pubs Code and entitlement to a Market Rent Only option in some circumstances for tied pub tenants to request a Free of Tie lease.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Ben Mackenzie