Bewley’s historic cafe on Dublin’s Grafton Street has a promising chance of survival following a significant reduction in its rent. The manager, Cól Campbell, announced this after the Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Jennifer O’Brien, determined on Friday that the cafe’s annual rent is now to be €738,169.74. This verdict is a 50 percent decrease from the initial €1.46 million yearly charge allocated to the landlord, property developer Johnny Ronan.
Post-decision, Campbell expressed optimism about sustaining the cafe thanks to the ruling. Despite the establishment being as bustling as in 2019, it has been grappling with overhead costs set in 2024. He asserted that the reduction in rent, which will be in line with market rates, is beneficial for the city centre and supports its recovery in the aftermath of Covid and the cost-of-living crisis. Campbell noted that having rents consistent with market rates draws in entrepreneurs, thereby promoting business activity.