“I have worked closely with DCL for a number of years and regard it as one of the most knowledgeable, creative and experienced team of property advisers in the leisure sector. I have always had complete confidence that they will explore every possible avenue to establish whether a deal can be secured. Their depth and breath of knowledge of the leisure industry, and the people involved in it, is unsurpassed – their contacts list is an enviable resource.”
Alison Anderson
Property Manager, Mint Group (Owner of Koko, Infernos, Elk Bar)
“It is no coincidence that in acquiring all our restaurants, Le Caprice, The Ivy, J.Sheekey and The Wolseley we have either been offered them by David Coffer or turned to him for advice - it is also notable that when we failed to secure another prime opportunity it was only because David had been previously instructed by a competitor! But it is not just for acquisition purposes that we turn to Davis Coffer Lyons - the practice has also advised us on rent reviews, valuations and fund raising - in all, they offer the complete service.”
Jeremy King
Founder of Rex Restaurants (Owner of The Wolseley and St Alban)
“From the first Wagamama in Streatham Street to now, we have had a close association with DCL for professional, agency and general advice. Their market knowledge is second to none.”
Alan Yau
Founder of Hakkasan & Yauatcha, Creator of Wagamama
“There is no-one in leisure that Tracey Mills doesn’t know.”
David Slade
Leasing Director, Westfield
“Geronimo has worked closely with DCL for the past two years as we seek to grow our business. DCL has worked hard to understand our philosophies and property needs. I have been particularly impressed by the way the team constantly provides us with ideas and different ways of looking at opportunities. In this very competitive market they continue to offer us an interesting mix of Freehold and Leasehold sites.”
Rupert Clevely
Chief Executive Officer, Geronimo Inns
“DCL's understanding of our aspirations for Carnaby and Kingly Court has helped to transform the area into an exciting eating and clubbing destination in its own right, complementing the eclectic fashion and lifestyle retail mix. They have sourced and introduced a number of cutting edge operators to the area, catering for the shopper and local media crowd alike. Our long term relationship with both the agency and professional team has led to a comprehensive grasp of our strategy for all of our villages including Chinatown and Seven Dials.”
Simon Quayle
Director, Shaftesbury
“Over the last 20 years, in the world of leisure and hospitality property, DCL has been without equal. Nobody else has even got close.”
David Page
Chairman, Clapham House Group (Owner of The Real Greek, Meat Liquor and Franco Manca)
“The iconic status and reputation of DCL - and its legendary founder, David Coffer - in the leisure world, is richly deserved... I cannot imagine doing business in this sector without them.”
Joel Cadbury
Longshot
“DCL is great at both finding commercial properties, and selling them, but the thing that sets them apart is their ability to think creatively. They are past masters at putting together interesting combinations of potential buyers and sellers in a way that most agencies simply don't consider.”
Karen Jones
Founder, Food & Fuel Group (Former CEO Spirit Group and co-founder Café Rouge)
“Anglo Irish Bank has a close working relationship with DCL whom it views as one of the Bank's leading advisors on the leisure market, a sector in which the Bank has been particularly active over the past couple of years.”
Peter Ralph
Anglo Irish Bank
“Restaurants are a key part of our success in Regent Street. DCL has not only advised on strategy but also delivered a number of key new brands to the street such as Aubaine. DCL has been a great business partner to work with.”
David Shaw
Head of Regent Street Strategy & Development, The Crown Estate
“I knocked tentatively on the Davis Coffer door in 1997 and they were kind to the rookie that I was then and they are still kind to me today encouraging and dealing with the fledgling newcomer and the corporate giants alike - I like that in a family feeling firm...Don't go changing now y'all.”
Simon Woodroffe
Founder, Yo! Sushi
“DCL has been valuer to Pubs ‘n’ Bars for over seven years, during this period the team has played an important and integral role in our acquisition and valuation process. Their ability to deliver this service with integrity, professionalism and in depth knowledge of our industry has without doubt been a huge benefit to us.”
Mel Belligero
Chief Executive, Pubs ‘n’ Bars
“DCL’s comprehensive knowledge of the licensed industry puts them in a unique position to advise on the whole spectrum of corporate requirements, from individual properties to multi -site deals. On every occasion we have employed their services they have not disappointed.”
Steve Wilkins
Managing Director, Little Gems Country Dining
“It seems unfair to single people out in an industry where so many different disciplines are required but DCL’s strength is their commitment to their clients and the range and depth of their knowledge in an industry which is not only becoming complex but requires increasing capital expenditure merely to maintain a competitive position. Whilst I believe in independence of thought , DCL’s advice, perhaps not always welcome, is given objectively and sincerely.”
John Connell
Director, The Imbiba Partnership
“DCL is the retained advisor on restaurant premises within the St Christopher’s Place Estate. Their success in terms of rent reviews and lease renewals undertaken together with their asset management involvement has helped our client achieve its goals of improving the rental tone and tenant mix, thereby enhancing the capital value of this niche central London estate.”
Sue Bader
F&C Asset Management
“We have enjoyed a good working relationship with DCL; company acquisitions, bank funding and sale and leasebacks; and look forward to working with them again.”
Gavin Loughrey
Alchemy Partners
“Throughout my career in leisure and hospitality industries, I have worked closely alongside David Coffer and his companies. His experience and counsel are invaluable assets to me and the support of his teams creates a unique font of knowledge and array of opportunities for our brands. DCL is at the very leading edge of leisure property and corporate advice in the UK.”
Nick Basing
Leisure Entrepreneur and CEO, Essenden Plc
