Cornwall's Celebrity Chef wins his court battle
CORNWALL’S first Michelin-starred chef, Kevin Viner, this week won a court battle against his landlord who had cut off his electricity and accused him of not paying his bills and breaching his lease.
At the end of a three-day hearing at Truro County Court, Judge Nicholas Vincent, found no evidence to support the claims of Eric Randle, who runs the Carvynick Country Club, that the chef had set up a new business behind his back and not paid his bills.
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Kevin Viner
He ordered an injunction preventing Mr Randle from interfering with Mr Viner’s business would remain in place until the end of the lease, which runs out in 2020.
He also ordered Mr Randle to pay Mr Viner’s £52,000 legal bill. The court heard that the chef had made repeated attempts to pay outstanding rent of about £13,000, which were refused by his landlord.
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It marks the end of a bitter 18-month dispute between Mr Viner, once voted the best chef in the UK, and the owner of the multi-million pound holiday park at Summercourt, near Truro, where Viners Restaurant has been based since 2004.
For the full story see this week’s West Briton and for the full outcome of the case and Mr Viner’s future plans see next week’s edition.
Comments
by petefazz
Saturday, October 15 2011, 10:39PM
“This story put a grin on my face. I'm pleased the restaurant is safe.
One of the lasting memories I'll have of this place is being sat out the front of the restaurant with Kevin and Joe, at dusk and in the freezing November wind, plucking ducks. Amazing.
Will call in soon.”
by hotrod81
Saturday, July 30 2011, 7:04PM
“There is certainly a very clear message yo this story - you can't rely on the great British Justice system. All this teaches you is that if you miss your bills, and if you don't pay your rent, you don't need to worry - this country will protect you!
I am amazed by the fact, that no-one has asked the question - Why?? Why has a landlord cut off the electric?
Lets ask the question - What if you don't pay British Gas, or SWEB, or BT?
Answer - you get cut off! Therefore the landlord should have been perfectly within his rights to cut off the power until the utility bills are paid in full.
As a business owner and landlord, I would do exactly the same thing if one of my tenants defaulted and left me with the liability.
As for the comment - Go and get a job like the rest of us...
I'm sure I speak for all landlords when I say, that only hard work and sheer determination is required to buy the property in the first place! Money has been well earnt and spent as an investment - not for easy money, but long term future!
For all those who do currently rent/lease - my full and total respect to you, as I know exactly how hard it is to get onto the property ladder - however to the negative comments, without landlords a lot of people would be unable to survive!
A very disheartening message to all fellow landlords - if you fall out with your tenant, you may find yourself restricted from your own property.
A very poor victory indeed!”
by colinleonard
Thursday, July 28 2011, 6:44PM
“Well done Kevin & Gill - fantastic and well-deserved result - justice does exist. It's hard enough running a restaurant without this added burden! We look forward to seeing you more relaxed later this year when we visit the area again. Love you both.
Colin and Ness Leonard
Charvet”
by scuffs
Monday, July 25 2011, 11:18PM
“congratulations kevin during all the time that you were under this cloud of madness you still managed not only to run the restaurant but also give your time to the industry and keep a smile on your face
A credit to yourself and chefs around the country
all the best
steve scuffell
vice president craft guild of chefs”
by BEA77
Sunday, July 24 2011, 12:54PM
“Congratulations Kevin. For honesty,determination & sheer hard work.
It's good to see that greed & deceit don't always win and hopefully a warning to all those that think they do.
Here's wishing 'Viners' all the success it deserves”
by Hbuy1974
Friday, July 22 2011, 10:05PM
“An award-winning example of honesty with a side order of morality, all washed down with a generous measure of justice. The perfect menu!”
by celtibill
Friday, July 22 2011, 5:47AM
“Dear Landlords.
If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen!
If you don't like the rules, get out of the game!
No one is asking you to buy-to-let, and you only do it because you think it will be easy money.
Go and get a job like the rest of us.
A victory for common sense and decent morals.”
by keh121
Thursday, July 21 2011, 10:10PM
“Great to see that truth, honesty and decent behaviour have won out over other less desirable human characteristics. Looking forward to continued fine dining at Viners Restaurant.”
by humpy1968
Thursday, July 21 2011, 5:30PM
“Congratulations to Mr Viner!!!....a clear message sent out to all landlords.”