The tenants of a Bradford city centre restaurant currently closed due to a rent dispute have claimed the whole matter was a misunderstanding.

Leeds-based PG Catering Ltd had run Buffet @ Bradford out of the Hilton hotel on Hall Ings since December 2009, but the restaurant was shut suddenly overnight on October 24.

The Hilton Worldwide group said the restaurant would not be opening again, but now PG Catering’s directors say they are hopeful of a reprieve.

Jimmy Gee Wah Chan, a spokesman for the firm, said: “Our solicitors are confident that we will be able to resume the tenancy in the current building, as we believe this is a result of a misunderstanding by both parties.”

Hilton changed the locks and used security guards to deny PG Catering access to the building, which still contains their stock, equipment and fittings, after claiming the company had not paid their rent for more than a year, an accusation denied by Mr Gee Wah Chan.

He states the confusion only came about after the manager of the Hilton stopped hand-delivering invoices directly to the restaurant.

A spokesperson for Hilton Worldwide, who had previously stated that PG Catering’s business operation was outside its control, said: “The reasons for the termination of the lease remain confidential and we are unable to speculate about any future tenancy.
“The restaurant space will remain vacant for the immediate future, whilst Hilton Bradford assesses various options for subsequent use.
“We disagree with PG Catering’s characterisation of our discussions, but we prefer not to comment on any specifics at this time.”