Court hands down judgment in Ministry of Sound…

On 5 November 2025, HHJ Saggerson handed down judgment in the case of Ministry of Sound Ltd v The British and Foreign Wharf Company Ltd, concerning a lease renewal application under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. The case related to the Ministry of Sound’s claim for a new tenancy of its premises at Gaunt Street, London SE1 from where it operates one of the most well-known nightclubs in the UK.

The overarching issue was whether the new lease should contain a landlord redevelopment break. The Ministry of Sound opposed the inclusion of any break provision. Following a five-day trial in September 2025, the judge determined that the new lease should contain a redevelopment break option in the terms sought by its landlord, namely a rolling break option exercisable from June 2028 on nine months’ notice.

The judge also determined the rent and a number of other contested lease terms.

Camilla Lamont represented the successful landlord, instructed by Simon Painter, Judith Smyth and Aoife Murphy of Broadfield Law UK LLP.

Click here to view the judgment