Exclusive: “No Labour MPs Welcome!” Hornchurch Family Restaurant Bans Labour MPs as Rates Explode to £19,000.

A much loved Italian family run restaurant in Hornchurch has sparked strong reaction after placing a sign in its front window declaring NO LABOUR MPs. The move comes after the owners say their business rates have tripled again, leaving them questioning whether they can survive another year.

Gina and Vincenzo, who run Umberto’s, told the Havering Daily they are now facing the toughest period in their three decades on the high street and fear the restaurant could be forced to shut despite serving the community for nearly 32 years.

Gina did not hold back when explaining why the sign went up.

“No Labour MPs are welcome. How can they justify the tripling of our business rates? These rates are crushing our high streets, people are closing their shops. Our food has VAT once its cooked. From a bill of £100, £20 straight away goes on VAT. Then we have to pay gas, electricity, glass collection, insurance, bin collection, and staffing. We are lucky if we make £1 profit after all that.”

The figures behind the increase are stark. What was once a manageable annual bill has rapidly spiralled.

“We used to pay £2,200 a year. Then last year it tripled to £6,800. Now this year, according to the latest rate increase predictions for April, it will go up to £19,000. We have been here in Havering for nearly 32 years. We will celebrate 32 years of business in February, but if it carries on like this we will be forced to shut our doors. We will have to see how the year pans out,” continued Gina

Like many independent traders, the couple say changing customer habits are already hurting.

“We have regular customers that would come each week. Now, they only come once a month as people cannot afford it. Our high streets are empty.”

With frustration mounting, Gina had a direct message for the Chancellor.

“Do another U turn, save our shops!”

Umberto’s has long been a familiar name in Hornchurch, but its warning echoes the growing alarm from retailers and hospitality venues across Havering who say soaring costs are pushing traditional high street businesses to the brink.

For many traders, the fear is no longer about reduced profits. It is about survival. And if long established restaurants like Umberto’s are questioning their future, residents are left asking a troubling question: how many more shop windows will go before something changes?

Much loved Italian restuarant could be forced to close its doors after 32 years.

Stay up to date with all of our latest updates and content by following us on our social media accounts!

We have created community pages where we will share our up-to-date stories happening in the area. Add the area closest to where you live.