A Kiwi restaurant adventure has turned into a business nightmare for British television presenter Noel Edmonds.
Following an abrupt ending, a Marlborough couple have been slapped with a lawsuit after walking out of a sub-lease agreement at the River Haven Estate in rural Tasman, owned by Noel Edmonds.
The couple, Tony and Holly Robson-Burrell, left only a matter of weeks after signing the agreement, and stated they felt overwhelmed and outnumbered by additional work, alleging they were misled.
In November 2024, after approximately only one month of trading, Tony Robson-Burrell sent Edmonds an email, apologising for the sudden move.
“Sorry about the bombshell, but we’re leaving River Haven with immediate effect,” his email, which was presented in court, stated.
The Robson-Burrells, who have been operating hospitality businesses for several years, alleged that Edmonds had pressured and harassed them, adding that he had “too much control” over the restaurant’s operations when they wanted independence.
The 800-acre River Haven Estate property was purchased by Edmonds and his wife, Liz Davies, in 2022 for a reported NZD 30 million. It was central to his recent television series, Noel Edmonds’ Kiwi Adventure, which filmed at the estate between September and December 2024.
Disagreements have since arisen about the Robson-Burrell’s participation in the series, alleging they did not want to be main characters in the show. The three-part series aired in the UK last year, before being shown to New Zealand audiences in November last year.
Despite their claims, legal documents have shown that the Robson-Burrells had not paid any rent or outgoings during their time at the property, and are now being sued.
Damages have been sought from the Robson-Burrell’s company, All About Chocolate, as the first defendant in the case. As co-directors of the company and second and third defendants, the couple provided guarantees which has made them liable for the damages equivalent to the unpaid rent of more than NZD 60,000, plus unpaid outgoings.
River Haven Estate has also claimed the value of extra works carried out on the premises, losses incurred by underperformance, damage to reputation, re-opening costs, and 14 percent interest on the unpaid rent.
Nic Lawrence, lawyer for the plaintiff, described the case as relatively straightforward.
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