The Rise and Fall of Preston Benson: London’s Disastrous Cinema Dreamer
Preston Benson has become known for a particular ambition: transforming derelict spaces in london into vibrant community hubs, often with initial public funding. Millions of pounds of public money have flowed towards his projects, as highlighted by The Guardian, which described Benson as the man “transforming defunct nightclubs, shopping malls and factories into thriving community centres”.
His first venture, Catford Mews, opened just before the Covid pandemic in a rundown council-owned shopping arcade distinguished by a large cat sculpture at its entrance. The venue,envisioned as a hybrid co-working space and arthouse cinema,even gained unexpected publicity when Ed Sheeran chose it as the filming location for his “Bad Habits” music video.
Initially, Catford Mews was met with enthusiasm. Chris Douce,a standup comedian who hosted nights at the cinema,called its opening “the best thing that had happened to the area in a long time.” He praised Benson’s investment in good architects and his personal support of local comedy acts. “It was really good for my mental health, to go ther and see an early screening. I miss the venue, I miss the peopel I met through comedy and it’s a personal loss that it’s closed,” Douce said.
However, even before the pandemic, signs of a disorganized business approach emerged. One source described a chaotic system were “everything was on WhatsApp,” with limited formal administrative processes.
A former food operator at Catford Mews echoed these concerns, stating, “Everything I was promised by Preston Benson didn’t happen.” While acknowledging the venue was a “fantastic place,” they lamented that it failed to attract the anticipated level of footfall. “What we were promised and what happened were two very different things. If there was 50% more footfall then Catford Mews would still be open.” The operator also detailed difficulties in recovering a £1,000 deposit, a process that took seven months.
Across Benson’s ventures, a pattern of unpaid debts has become apparent. Facing mounting negative press, Benson engaged a hospitality PR agency, AKA Comms, for crisis communications support.however, the relationship quickly soured. Katrina Kutchinsky, co-founder of AKA Comms, revealed they ceased working for Benson as they themselves were owed “thousands of pounds.”
“I don’t need to tell you the grim reality of the hospitality scene at the moment but my suppliers and staff get paid before I do, to the detriment of myself,” Kutchinsky explained, expressing shock at the business practices. “You can’t behave differently in business.” She added, “I was brought in to help his public image, so it’s a bit stupid to not pay your publicist.”
Benson claimed he was in “regular contact” with Kutchinsky regarding repayment, stating he was “working nonstop” to secure investment to address “historic debts.” However,Kutchinsky vehemently refuted this claim,stating,”Total lie,he hasn’t been in touch for months and we remain unpaid.”
