Rumours that restaurant chain Prezzo was interested in opening a branch at the former Conservative headquarters on Wanstead High Street, which we reported in February, seem not to be coming true, though confusingly they may be.
A source with knowledge of the company’s plans told Wansteadium that while the company is in fact keen to open a branch in Wanstead, the ‘Churchill building’ did not meet its requirements.
However a conflicting report comes from another source told us the deal was still on, saying: “Someone in the know told me ….watch that space.”
So to be honest we’re none the wiser. We did ask Prezzo themselves, but they didn’t answer, and who can blame them for that? We’re just a local blog with 555 e-mail subscribers (thanks, everyone).
Certainly not a fan of Prezzo, BUT we need somebody to take on this wonderful building, and I can’t quite imagine who at present. I have a horrible feeling this will sit unoccupied for some time, which means deterioration. I actually think a good, modern, fresh, reasonably priced Italian, or Carluccios would do very well here – they’re always crowd pleasing and family friendly, though what they would do with the upper floors I can’t think.
Maybe a four storey coffee shop?