Steele Raymond’s top-tier commercial property solicitors advise award-winning restaurateur on new South Coast venture

Shah, who is the owner and chef director of the Rivaaz and Thali Ho, both award-winning Indian restaurants, outlined his plans for eatPIZZA, saying:

“We are thrilled to have opened another high-quality restaurant in the New Forest, despite the pressures and challenges of the pandemic.

“Our goal with eatPIZZA is to achieve a premium-feeling pizza restaurant that retains an independent feel; a place where people can enjoy authentic Italian-style pizza in relaxed surroundings.

“To have successfully acquired the lease for such an historic building certainly aligns with this.”

The legal aspects of the deal were led by Steele Raymond commercial property partner Jennifer Rogerson and commercial partner Paula Eckton.

Speaking on the acquisition of the new lease, Jennifer said:

“Although the negotiation of the lease was straightforward, the Grade II status of the building meant that we had to navigate a number of conditional agreements for the client.

“For us at Steele Raymond, it is fantastic to be able to help local entrepreneurs to realise their business goals and for Shah and his team to have pressed ahead despite the pandemic and lockdown restrictions is truly a great story.”

With COVID-19 restrictions still in effect, the restaurant, which opened for the first time last Wednesday (24 February 2021), will operate on a takeaway only basis until they are lifted.

However, it is hoped that eatPIZZA will be able to welcome customers to their outdoor space, which can accommodate 30 covers and features a pizza oven from the renowned Gozney brand, before the total easing of lockdown.

Shah, who plans to expand eatPIZZA across the South Coast, with a further ten sites within the next five years, commented on his experience of working with Steele Raymond, saying:

“I am really happy with the work of both Jennifer and Paula, both of whom were extremely thorough and efficient.

“They dealt with everything in a timely manner and were always available to answer any questions or concerns. Feeling comfortable that the legal side of things were in-hand allowed me to focus on the business and meeting our deadline for launch.”

Talk to our commercial property solicitors

If you would like to discuss your legal options with our commercial property solicitors in Bournemouth, please contact Jennifer Rogerson on 01202 294 566 or email [email protected].