British burger giant falls into administration as five London restaurants close

London-based burger chain MEATliquor has entered administration after 17 years in business as the restaurant industry faces rising energy prices and operational costs

A much-loved British burger chain MEATliquor has now entered administration after closing a number of restaurants.

London-based chain has officially appointed administrators, according to The Gazette, delivering a devastating blow to devotees of its renowned burgers and beers.

The chain, operated by Meatalier, had cultivated a dedicated following amongst Londoners. Last month MEATliquor closed five of its eight London locations – including outlets in Islington, Clapham Junction and Queensway. Just three premises remain open – two in Oxford Circus and East Dulwich, plus its sister sports bar BLOODsports in Covent Garden.

The move follows rising energy prices and soaring operational costs. Founder Scott Collins previously cautioned the sector was facing immense pressure.

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He told Restaurant Online: “On top of VAT, rates, beef and energy costs, we’ve now got a new war creating uncertainty and more Tube strikes to deal with. We’re in the same position as a lot of others in the industry and I’m just getting ahead of things before we’re forced to.”

The burger brand was first launched in 2009 by Yianni Papoutsis and business partner Collins. What began as a modest mobile van, the MEATwagon, rapidly transformed into a thriving restaurant business across London and the South East.

Its first physical store opened close to Oxford Street in 2011, and at its peak the chain had 13 branches – 12 across the UK and one in Singapore.

This comes as British car dealership is set to close within days. London-based Cargiant will close its site in the capital for good on April 24 after its owners were unable to find a buyer. The company previously had more than 2,000 cars available and was among Britain’s busiest used car supermarkets.

The site covers roughly 50 acres and is estimated to be worth around £100m. It sits adjacent to a planned HS2 interchange that will link HS2, the Elizabeth Line, overground and other transport connections.

Cargiant has encountered difficulties in recent years, with directors being compelled to attempt to sell the business and land. The closure follows Cargiant’s owners’ failure to “secure a viable future for the business”.