A long-running dispute over the most famous name in London nightlife is heading for court as two London entrepreneurs both prepare to open nightclubs called Birley’s.
Richard Caring, the rag trade-to-restaurants tycoon, is understood to be preparing legal action against Robin Birley, son of the late Mark Birley and Lady Annabel Goldsmith, over plans to use the family name above the door of his latest venture.
Caring, who bought the Birley nightclub empire for £102m in 2007, instructed lawyers yesterday after learning that Robin Birley had begun sending out membership packs for his new Mayfair nightspot, to be called Birley’s.
He said that his purchase of Birley nightclubs, including Annabel’s and Harry’s Bar, included the exclusive rights to use the Birley name
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The Times, p58
