Row continues over troubled music pub

The tenant at an popular London music venue facing closure has hit back at claims from his landlord Young's that it has worked hard to keep the venue open.

A row has erupted over the Half Moon in Putney, where tenant James Harris said the combined effects of the recession, which has seen trade fall 20%, and his high rent, may result in the venue's closure by 31 January.

Young's said it invested £200,000 in the pub, which included £20,000 on a new kitchen.

But Harris said the kitchen has never been used as food isn't appropriate in such a venue - a Young's consultant gave the same view in 2007, the tenant said. He added that £20,000 of his own money has been invested at the Half Moon, and the investment lead to a £11,000 annual rent increase.

A statement from the company said: "Young's has worked extensively with Mr Harris over the past 24 months to help him manage his debts and business more effectively.

"We have spent considerable time advising him on everything from how to reduce operating costs through to offering him sizable discounts on beer and suggestions on how to increase his custom."

But Harris said he has never been offered discounts and he has had no contact from Youngs in the past three weeks, aside from a phone call this weekend.

Young's said Harris owed the company over £100,000, a claim strongly denied by the licensee.

Harris has been the licensee for the past 10 years. Since its opening in 1963, the venue has showcased acts such as the Rolling Stones, U2, and more recently Kasabian and Newton Faulkner.

"My main aim is to save this place as a music venue," he added.