A restaurant in Southampton, forced to shut its doors after twenty years of trading, has been taken over by homeless people in a move organisers say exposes a glaring 'double standard' in government policy.
From Restaurant to Makeshift Shelter
Ceno Bar and Restaurant, located in the Portswood area, announced its permanent closure on 1 January 2026. The owners, Jamie Darby among them, directly blamed their demise on the adjoining Highfield House Hotel, which now accommodates up to 100 asylum seekers, mostly young men.
They cited a locked car park, ignored communications, and damage from hotel residents as key issues, leading to a reported halving of turnover over two years as customers stayed away. The closure resulted in four full-time staff losing their jobs, along with numerous casual workers.
A Protest Against Perceived Inequality
Just days after the closure, the vacant premises were occupied by local homeless individuals seeking refuge from freezing temperatures. The action was coordinated by volunteer support worker Russ Kitching, 64, who stated the squat aims to highlight the flaws in the government's asylum hotel scheme.
'It highlights the double standard of government funding for migrants instead of our own local homeless,' Mr Kitching said. He explained that three homeless people, including Steven Sperring, are currently living inside, with more being vetted to join them.
Mr Kitching has issued formal demands, calling for compensation for the restaurant and a 'peppercorn rent' agreement to officially convert the site into a night shelter and food pantry for Southampton's most vulnerable residents. He has coordinated with Southampton City Council's rough sleeping department regarding vetting but acknowledges the occupation is unauthorised.
Community Tensions and Official Responses
The situation at Highfield House has been a flashpoint for community tension. The area has seen weekly anti-immigration protests in recent months, regularly met with counter-protests from anti-racism groups and requiring a significant police presence.
Councillor Andy Frampton, Cabinet Member for Housing Operations, clarified the council's position, stating: 'We have not authorised or endorsed the use of the building as a homeless shelter... Responsibility for the lawful use and safety of the building rests with the property owner.'
The Home Office, responding to the broader issue, said it was 'furious at the level of illegal migrants and asylum hotels' and reiterated its commitment to closing all asylum hotels. Hampshire Constabulary noted its regular contact with local businesses but confirmed no specific criminal damage incidents had been reported to them from Ceno.
As the squat continues, it stands as a stark physical symbol of a heated national debate, pitting local homelessness against the government's handling of asylum accommodation in the heart of a Southampton community.
