€1m pub deal case adjourned for talks

A LEGAL action over an alleged agreement by the owners of the Opium Bar and Restaurant on Dublin’s Wexford Street to buy a nearby property has been adjourned pending the outcome of talks aimed at resolving the dispute.

Trebleside Designated Activity Company, which owns the Opium Bar, has brought proceedings against John Hallinan, Geraldine Hallinan, Claire Cullen and TFF Food Ltd over an alleged failure by the defendants to complete a deal.

Trebleside, part of the Mercantile Group of bar/ restaurants, claims it entered into an agreement with the Hallinans to acquire property they own at 38 and 38a Camden Row, Dublin in a €1m-plus deal.

It is claimed Ms Cullen, of Convent Road, Delgany, Co Wicklow, and TFF Food Ltd, are the occupiers and leasehold owners of the ground floor of 38 Camden Row from which coffee shop the Fat Fox operates.

Trebleside claims that for reasons unknown to it the defendants have reneged on that agreement. As a result, Trebleside had asked the High Court for an order to drive through the deal it claims the Hallinans entered into on March 27 last.

The court heard that the defendants have on numerous occasions objected to the continuing operation of the Opium bar.

The case was admitted to the fast track commercial court list by Mr Justice Brian McGovern yesterday.

However, following talks between lawyers for both sides, the entire proceedings were adjourned and the case is due to be mentioned before the court today.