A restaurant in Dundee has been accused of breaking a contract by a company who temporarily took over its premises.
The White Rabbit had a short stint in the home of Cafe Montmartre on Perth Road, opening on October 28. However, just weeks later, it has closed down.
Last week the French restaurant returned, claiming on social media the White Rabbit “failed to meet expectations”.
Tamarin O’Ferrall, owner of the short-lived Alice and Wonderland-themed cafe and speakeasy bar, is working on bringing the business back in a new premises in the new year — although exactly where is yet to be confirmed.
She claims the issue arose because of a problem with the terms of the lease.
Montmartre owners Anne and Thierry Haddanou leased the property to Tamarin, who rents a flat from their son, after Thierry went through a health scare, she claims.
Tamarin woke up on Sunday November 11 to a text message saying the locks had been changed.
She claims all her staff have been paid and remain loyal to her, with the team of eight apparently willing to work at any new premises.
She said: “It was a shock when I got the message. We were doing really well and were fully booked right through December and on Hogmanay.
“I felt really bad for them (customers) but I didn’t have access to the reservation book for a few days when the locks were changed. I have since contacted them and have been emailing vouchers.”
On discovering the locks had been changed, Taramin said: “I had a feeling they were going to kick us out. We lost a lot of stock. A couple of days later we got our glasses and things like that back.
“I know now I should have asked to see things like the contract but it’s my first time doing something like this and I trusted them.
“But I don’t want to sling mud around. I would prefer to have a clean break and work towards bringing the business back.”
A source close to the Haddanous said Tamarin “jumped right in” after getting a provisional alcohol licence and that she made changes to the business before securing proper permission.
When approached for comment, Anne directed The Courier to their lawyer, who in turn refused to make a comment.
