Celebrity Chef Nico Simeone’s Legal Battle Over Liverpool Restaurant Flooding
Lawsuit Filed Against Building Owner for Negligence
In a high-stakes legal tussle, renowned chef Nico Simeone has initiated legal proceedings against a building proprietor, seeking compensation for damages incurred due to severe flooding that forced the closure of his Liverpool restaurant, Six By Nico. The incident, which transpired in 2022, rendered the premises “malodorous and unhygienic,” according to the lawsuit.
Background and Rising Success of Nico Simeone
Nico Simeone, a culinary virtuoso from Glasgow, established his acclaimed concept restaurant chain, Six By Nico, in 2017. This unique dining experience features a six-course tasting menu that undergoes a transformation every six weeks, drawing inspiration from diverse themes such as Lisbon, Tokyo, street food, and childhood nostalgia. With branches in London, Belfast, Dublin, and Cardiff, the chain has expanded to encompass 14 restaurants, solidifying its reputation in the culinary landscape.
Simeone’s culinary journey commenced at the Michelin-starred Number One at Balmoral and Brian Maule’s celebrated Chardon d’Or in Glasgow. His culinary prowess and unwavering dedication have garnered widespread recognition, including a BBC series, “Nico’s Menu Mission,” in 2020.
Liverpool Restaurant’s Closure Due to Flooding
The lawsuit, filed at the High Court in London, alleges that Six By Nico’s Liverpool branch endured repeated water leaks following an extensive refurbishment. Despite persistent complaints to the freeholder, the problems persisted, culminating in a substantial flood in December 2021 that wreaked havoc on stock and equipment. By January 2022, the basement rooms, including staff areas, became inoperable due to pervasive dampness, mold, and unhygienic conditions.
Simeone’s legal team contends that the flooding intensified during periods of heavy rainfall, leading to further damage. The restaurant’s timber deck began to decay, rendering the premises unsuitable for operating a restaurant. The lawsuit alleges that the building’s improper sealing at ground level allowed rainwater to seep into the walls, causing the flooding.
Seeking Compensation and Relaunch of the Restaurant
Simeone’s company is seeking compensation exceeding £4.4 million to cover lost profits, expenses, and the cost of refurbishing and relaunching the Liverpool restaurant. The lawsuit argues that the freeholder’s breaches of covenant, duty, negligence, and nuisance have resulted in substantial losses.
Freeholder’s Defense: Dishwasher as the Cause of Flooding
The freeholder, Highneal Ltd., vehemently denies responsibility for the flooding and asserts that the restaurant’s heavy-duty industrial dishwasher was the culprit behind the leaks. Investigations conducted after the incident revealed a poorly installed pressurized hot water cylinder, which the freeholder suggests may have contributed to the water ingress.
Highneal Ltd. disputes the severity of the flooding and maintains that the restaurant could have remained operational. The freeholder further alleges that Six By Nico failed to pay approximately £60,000 in rent, leading to the forfeiture of the lease.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The case is presently in its early stages and awaits a hearing by a judge in court. The outcome of the lawsuit will determine the liability for the flooding and the compensation awarded to Nico Simeone’s company.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
The legal battle between Nico Simeone and Highneal Ltd. highlights the complexities of property ownership and liability in the restaurant industry. As the case progresses, the court will need to carefully consider the evidence presented by both parties to determine the cause of the flooding and the extent of the damages. The outcome of this case will have implications for both Simeone’s restaurant business and the broader industry, setting a precedent for resolving disputes related to flooding and property maintenance.
Stay tuned for updates on this captivating legal saga as it unfolds in the coming months.