London’s “oldest chophouse”, Simpson’s Tavern is fighting for its future following a surprise closure.

The Grade II-listed tavern has stood on Cornhill for more than 250 years – surviving fires, wars and epidemics.

After getting into rent arrears during the coronavirus pandemic, the venue’s locks were changed by the landlord last month, closing the business.

Founded in 1757 on Cornhill, Simpson’s was where influential people met to trade and do deals over lunch, long before the emergence of the modern skyscrapers of glass and steel that surround it today.

City of London councillor Peter Dunphy has lodged a request to list the venue as an asset of community value – a designation that aims to protect civic buildings, schools, pubs and open spaces that further the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community.

This would give Simpson’s a way of ensuring the interior of the business is safeguarded in its current form.

“The impact on this particular business is directly related to the Covid lockdowns because it’s a dispute over arrears that built up during that period,” he said.

A decision on the tavern’s application to become an asset of community value is due on 15 December but until then, and without some kind of payment of the money owed, the future of this 265-year-old venue hangs in the balance.

Deputy Peter Dunphy of Cornhill Ward has led the ‘Asset of Community Value’ application together with Ward colleagues Alderman Robert Howard and Dr. Joanna Abeyie.