Mystery surrounds a Woodford Green restaurant which appears to have closed after being repossessed by bailiffs.
La Sala Limited, 629 to 694 Chigwell Road, was served with a closure notice from Dawkins Specialist Civil Enforcement Agents on Tuesday, October 23.
The notice reads: “Under the terms and conditions of your lease we as authorised agents acting on behalf of the landlord have this day re-entered and recovered possession of these premises and the lease is hereby determined.
“Any attempt by you or your agents to enter the demised premises will result in criminal/civil proceedings being taken against you.”
A spokesman from Dawkins Ltd confirmed to the Recorder that it had indeed repossessed the property at the landlord’s request.
But, despite the apparent repossession, the restaurant continues to promote upcoming events on its Instagram page.
The Recorder contacted the organiser of a Halloween event set to take place this Sunday, who said he was assured the restaurant would continue to stay open over “the next few weeks”.
The man, who declined to give his name, added that the restaurant’s apparent closure by bailiffs “was just rumours”.
The restaurant opened in 2014 as a licensee of Spanish hospitality company Sala Group Holdings, whose offices are registered in Malaga.
Among the various businesses operating under the brand are restaurants in Gibraltar and Puerto Banus as well as an annual golf tournament along the Spanish coast.
The now-closed Woodford Green branch is described as “the ultimate social and dining experience” with a “buzzing atmosphere” and an “extensive menu of delectable signature dishes”.
La Sala Chigwell and Sala Group Holdings have been contacted for comment.
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