Premier Inn’s parent company is planning to shutter two well-known restaurant chains in the UK, leading to the closure of almost hundreds of outlets across the country.
Whitbread has revealed its decision to permanently close all remaining Beefeater and Brewers Fayre restaurants, resulting in the shutdown of nearly 200 establishments and the loss of 3,800 jobs. This move is part of a new five-year strategy aimed at achieving substantial cost savings of up to a quarter of a billion pounds while revamping its dining venues.
Although the majority of its 30,000 employees will be retained, about 12 percent of the workforce will be affected by the closures at the targeted locations.
These restaurants, commonly situated adjacent to or within Premier Inn hotels, have long been popular destinations for millions of yearly visitors. The closures mark the end of Beefeater’s over 50-year legacy in the industry, while Brewers Fayre was on the verge of celebrating its own 50-year milestone in 2029.
Whitbread has attributed the closures to financial challenges, citing significant increases in business rates and National Insurance costs. As a response, the company plans to sell and lease back around £1.5 billion worth of its freehold properties to generate funds for future growth initiatives. CEO Dominic Paul emphasized the shift towards an integrated food and beverage offering tailored to hotel guests, aiming to introduce more profitable room extensions.
By enhancing its commercial strategy and operational efficiencies, Whitbread aims to solidify its leading market position and gain an edge over struggling competitors in the sector.
The following Brewers Fayre restaurants are among those set to close:
The following Beefeater restaurants are also slated for closure:
(Note: The list of specific restaurant closures is intentionally left blank as per the original content.)