I think if there was anything at all to vaguely back up the claim that it was 'tatty' it would be that when it went 'outdoors' for summer season it left the indoors a bit sparse - but still not tatty. I know from very close friends who have had businesses in the area that you can do what ever you like to the premises to make it look fancier - but the owner/landlord won't, and won't contribute to your improvement costs even if he ultimately takes ownership of them once the renters moved on.
It must be incredibly tough to want to improve things but know you have to pay for *everything* even though it's not your property.
I think they did exceptionally well in making it a food quality/staff friendliness sort of place rather than something out of an interior design magazine. And as mentioned, they won the CBF vote so they must be doing something right.
