AK Food and Wines, Herne Hill renews lease for five years

The Estate was keen that AK Food and Wines, which sells a wide range of organic and non organic produce and hard to get herbs and spices, continued its business and has been in discussion over several months.

"I am delighted to have reached an agreement with The Dulwich Estate which will mean I will stay here for the next five years"

Owner of AK Food and Wines, Mr Ken Gangadeen said: "I am delighted to have reached an agreement with The Dulwich Estate which will mean I will stay here for the next five years. A combination of factors has led to a reduction in trade, and I hope this improves once lockdown eases. I wish to thank all my loyal customers and friends for their continued support, particularly over these difficult past months."

Mr Gangadeen is a popular figure who has been in the area for 15 years. Recent inaccurate reports suggested Mr Gangadeen was forced to close by The Dulwich Estate. But the business has not had any rent rises for three years and at no time did the Estate propose any new rent rises.

Dulwich Estate Chief Executive Simone Crofton said: "Mr Gangadeen is a valued tenant providing what his community needs. I am delighted that Mr Gangadeen has decided to stay and that our discussions over many months have concluded successfully."

"Shops like Mr Gangadeen's are in the eye of the retail storm - Covid, a decline in footfall, a move to online shopping and competition from supermarket chains continue to be a challenge but we wish him well over the next five years with his distinctive grocery offer."

The Estate takes extremely seriously the times we are in, and the impact on many high street businesses. We are doing our utmost to support commercial tenants during this period, and hope they can return to strong trading on 12 April when non-essential businesses reopen.