Another blow to Blackpool food trade as second business on Church Street is shut down by its landlord

A second food business on one of Blackpool’s busiest streets has been shut down and had its locks changed.

Phillys takeaway on Church Street has been repossessed by the premises’ landlord, with a notice on the door directing any enquiries to Blackpool solicitors firm Blackhurst Budd.

The takeaway is just yards away from Quilligans restaurant, which was similarly shut down by Blackpool Council earlier this week for alleged non-payment of rent, but the action regarding Phillys has no connection to the council.

The notice on the door of Phillys says the landlord has exercised their right to peaceably re-enter the premises at 126 Church Street.

It says the property is now legally occupied by the landlords and warns that any attempt to break into the property will be classed as a criminal offence and reported to the police.

A legal notice regarding interference with goods is attached to the door, giving two weeks’ notice, to November 18.

Blackhurst Budd were contacted by The Gazette but details of the landlord were not available as we went to press.

Phillys opened in May 2024 following an eight-month renovation of the premises, with an opening offer of £1 burgers for 300 customers.

The takeaway offered up a range of burgers, kebabs, fried chicken, pizzas, along with sweet treats such as chocolate fudge cake, ice cream, a variety of milkshakes and chocolate doughnuts.

Fiaz Qadeer, the owner of Phillys, said at the time: “A lot of people come to visit Blackpool and I’ve worked here for nearly seven years so I know the town really well, so that’s what made me want to open up a business here.

“What sets me apart from other takeaways is the hygiene and the ingredients we use. The food is very fresh to ensure every bite is a flavourful experience.

“It took me about eight months to renovate the shop. I didn’t cut any corners. I took my time and I didn’t open the takeaway until I was 100 per cent happy.”

Phillys was open seven days a week between 4pm and 1am and proved popular from the outset.

One customer said: “I went to the opening of Phillys and I was not disappointed.

“The place was spotless and the service was second to none. Lovely, polite staff and décor which pays homage to Blackpool.

“The food was amazing. I recommend Philly's special pizza, it was done to perfection!”

Blackpool Council changed the locks and terminated the lease at Quilligans on Monday.

The team behind the family-run business which has been operating for more than 20 years in the resort said they were “truly heartbroken” to have “lost their family’s sole livelihood” and slammed the council’s actions as “aggressive”.

But Cllr Mark Smith, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Built Environment said he rejected “any suggestion that the decision has been taken without proper consideration” and the only way to resolve the issue would be by making a “substantial payment”.

Quilligans said they have now engaged specialist commercial property litigators and are actively moving forward with urgent High Court Injunction proceedings for Unlawful Lockout and Relief from Forfeiture.