CUSTOMERS of Gin & Olive in Southampton have reacted with shock after its landlord took the building back.

Around 30 members of staff at Gin & Olive turned up to the restaurant on November 10 to find themselves jobless.

The notice said the landlord had re-entered the premises on Above Bar Street.

READ MORE: Shock as Gin & Olive staff left jobless after landlord takes back building

Reacting to the news, readers of the Echo sympathise with the staff.

"Feel sorry for the staff," wrote Daniel Sherwood.

Alli Perry also said: "So sad for the staff."

The restaurant is run by company director Ruth Wallis and her partner Anthony Ferreira.

The premises licence was granted for Gin & Olive in July last year after Mr Ferreira was released from prison the year before.

He had been jailed for more than seven years in 2016 for two frauds and two charges of perverting the course of justice unrelated to the business.

Fran Ayling wrote: "Wow, a quick Google search of the manager, Anthony Ferreira brings up some interesting news articles.

"He hasn’t a great track record for honesty."

The business failed to pay any rent or service charge since February last year, accumulating arrears close to six figures, according to the landlord Harborne Holdings.

But Mr Ferreira told the Echo that he is in dispute with the landlord and council over the building's cladding, and until this is resolved "the doors will remain closed".

Tony Ladd Jackson said: "If you don’t pay the rent, out you go. Simple."

Michael Gibson added: "Oh the joy of commercial landlords being able to just enter to repossess without a court warrant."

Other customers are disappointed that the popular venue has closed.

Warren Hope commented: "That place was packed every weekend, don’t get (how) this has happened and what to believe."

Vicki Couper added: "Well that’s birthday brunch out the window."

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