After the long-running battle with Network Rail, A&C Continental Deli is set to close.
Owner Jose Cardoso said the decision was not entirely due to Network Rail’s refurbishment of the the arches (on Atlantic Road and Brixton Station Road between Brixton Road and Pope’s Road), which will mean the eviction of businesses while it takes place and once completed tenants will face rent increases, but it was a factor.
Cardoso said: “It has been quieter for us recently, there’s been a combination of a change in demographic and people shopping online more. That coupled with the proposed rent increases makes it just too difficult.
“Network Rail have told us rent will increase by 25% in the first few years, then to 100%, then will eventually triple.
“With the pressures of what’s going on we’d have to change our business dramatically, to become more of a brand than a shop and we don’t want to do that, so we’re drawing a line. We don’t want it to come to the point where we’re pushed or forced out.
“We’ve had fantastic memories in Brixton but are looking forward to spending more time with the family. We will continue to work on the Save Brixton Arches campaign.”
Cardoso says they have not set a date for closure but whenever it is, here at the Brixton Blog, we will be very sad to see A&C go.
[…] Cardoso, owner of A&C Continental Deli which closed in October, told Brixtonblog that tenants have been informed that on their return rent will […]
Shame on Network rail for ripping the heart out of Brixton. I’m losing reasons to come back to Brixton having been evicted from my home there last year, definitely not racing back for Pret a Manger and other dull chains, hardly a destination. The vision should have been so different.
[…] circuit of Brixton, passing several recent victims of the changes that are taking place, including A&C Deli and Club […]
Tragic. The best shop in Brixton and a great family business.
This is terrible news.
Sad times for Brixton when fantastic businesses like this are pushed out.
This is sad news indeed. All the best to Jose and the Save Brixton Arches campaign.