Closure

In this section, we report on restaurant, pub, bar, café, and catering business closures across the UK, and the commercial, operational, and market factors behind them. From high-street exits and group-wide restructures to insolvencies, lease surrenders, and strategic site rationalisations, we cover the real-world impacts of rising costs, labour shortages, shifting demand, and margin pressures. We go beyond headlines to explain why closures are happening and what they mean for the wider sector. Whether you’re benchmarking performance or navigating tough decisions, we provide the context hospitality professionals need to stay informed.

Aug- 2020 -

7 August

Pubs and Bars

No trade-off needed between pubs and schools, says BBPA

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has refuted claims that a trade-off is needed between pubs and schools, to enable schools to reopen in September. The trade association has said that the government has made it clear it does not need to nationally close pubs to reopen schools, but…
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6 August

Restaurants

Yo Sushi eyes CVA

Yo Sushi has reportedly drafted in Deloitte in a bid to negotiate rent concessions with landlords and secure a potential CVA, Sky News has reported. While the sushi chain has not yet made a formal decision to proceed with a CVA, sources told Sky that the group would have “little…
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4 August

Restaurants

Pizza Express closes 67 sites

Pizza Express has announced that it could close up to 67 restaurants as part of a major restructuring plan, placing 1,100 jobs at risk. It comes as the group said it has reached an agreement with its secured creditors and majority shareholder, Hony Capital, for a recapitalisation and restructuring transaction…
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Jul- 2020 -

30 July

Restaurants

Rick Stein’s Marlborough restaurant saved amid 25% rent reduction

The Rick Stein Marlborough restaurant has been saved from closure after the landlord came forward and agreed a 25% reduction in rent to save the business. In June 2020, it was announced that the restaurant would be forced to close its doors permanently, due to the increased financial strain during…
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29 July

Coronavirus

Bermondsey’s Loyal Tavern to permanently close

Chef Tom Cencil has announced the permanent closure of Bermondsey-based restaurant and bar Loyal Tavern. In an Instagram post, Cencil attributed the closure as a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic. He said: “It’s with a broken heart and a decision that I thought I would never have to take,…
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28 July

Food and Drink

Greggs swings to £65.2m HY loss

Greggs has reported a pre-tax loss of £65.2m during the 26 weeks to June 27, compared with a £36.7m profit last year. During the six month period, the food-to-go specialist reported a 45% decrease in like-for-like sales to £300.6m, compared with £546.3m in the same period last year. Gross profit…
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23 July

Business

Chilango set to call in administrators

Mexican fast food chain Chilango is reportedly set to call in administrators, potentially putting 152 jobs at risk of redundancy. According to The Guardian, the move could lead to the closure of Chilango’s 12 restaurants located in London, Manchester and Birmingham. Further to this, investors who contributed to the group’s…
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22 July

Coronavirus

Winchester’s River Cottage Kitchen permanently closes

Celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage Kitchen in Winchester has announced its permanent closure as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. In a statement on its website, the restaurant said: “We all face unprecedented challenges from Covid-19 and with a heavy heart, we have made the very difficult and sad…
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20 July

Restaurants

Zizzi and Ask Italian to close 75 sites, 1,200 jobs at risk

Some 75 Zizzi and Ask Italian sites are set to close after the restaurant’s owner, Azzurri Group, was acquired by TowerBrook Capital Partners. The move has placed 1,200 jobs at risk and is the result of “unprecedented levels” of disruption in recent months as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.…
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14 July

Coronavirus

UK GDP slumped 19.1% in three months to May

GDP fell by 19.1% in the three months to May 2020, as government restrictions on movement dramatically reduced economic activity. According to new data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), this was driven by falls in nearly every industry, most notably by food and beverage service activities, which fell…
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