Alistair Paton, founder of the Knightsbridge club M1nt, is preparing to reduce his stake from 50% to 30% in order to raise enough money to acquire a new London site.
Landlord Gordon Ramsay, the high profile chef, changed the locks last week after claiming rent had not been paid for several months.
But Paton, who is now hoping to open a branch of M1nt in Hong Kong, insists the rent was withheld because of problems over heating and a lack of hot water.
He claims he is planning to sue Ramsay for £500,000 worth of lost earnings and damages.
The Sunday Times 16/07/06 (Business) page 3.12
