Beefeater, the UK pub-restaurant chain that first opened in 1974, is set to permanently close all 106 of its remaining locations next month as part of a sweeping corporate overhaul and cost-reduction programme. The closures are driven by soaring business expenses and tax burdens.
Farewell message to customers
Ahead of the nationwide closures, the chain has issued a heartfelt farewell to its loyal customers. In an email being distributed to previous diners and members of its loyalty schemes, Beefeater shared a message of gratitude, with two prominent words: 'thank you'.
The email said: "A message from your local Beefeater: We want to say a huge thank you for your custom at our Beefeater restaurants." It added: "As you may have seen, we have recently announced changes to our business, which is resulting in the closure of our Branded Restaurants. This means that on Thursday, September 10, 2026, your local Beefeater and all other UK Beefeaters will close."
Loyalty scheme deadlines
As a consequence of the planned shutdowns, Beefeater Reward Club, along with the chain's other loyalty programmes, Bonus Club and Tasty Rewards, will cease operations on Monday, August 31, 2026. Prior to that date, loyalty members must have accumulated points or submitted receipt details through their My Account by Monday, August 24, 2026.
Members must also convert their points into points-based vouchers and redeem them in Beefeater restaurants by Monday, August 31, 2026. At 7am on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, all outstanding points balances on the loyalty website will expire, reports the Daily Star.
Important notes for customers
Beefeater said: "Please note that loyalty points-based vouchers terms and conditions still apply until closure of the scheme and restaurants." At the bottom of the email, Beefeater reiterated: "From all of us at Beefeater, thank you for being a valued customer."
In a concluding statement, the chain noted: "Important: Selected Beefeater Restaurants may close earlier than Thursday, September 10, 2026. We will communicate any earlier closures separately."
Last orders and history
Beefeater said: "Closing times may vary by restaurant. Please speak to a member of our team at your local restaurant for the most up to date timings. At selected restaurants, our last food orders are at 9pm and last drinks orders are at 10pm (On Sunday it is 9pm). Please reserve your table online to avoid disappointment."
Beefeater was originally launched by Whitbread to provide straightforward, affordable dining, with menu staples including prawn cocktails and char-grilled steaks. The brand was conceived as a direct rival to the hugely popular Berni Inns steakhouse chain of the era, which Beefeater ultimately acquired in 1995. When it ceases trading on September 10, 2026, the brand will have operated for 52 years.
Other Whitbread closures
Beefeaters are usually found next to Premier Inn hotels. A Premier Inn Breakfast for just £11.99 per adult, and if an adult orders, up to two kids eat for free. The lighter alternative, the continental breakfast, is £9.99 per adult.
As part of a sweeping corporate restructure by Whitbread, all five of its principal branded pub and restaurant chains are set to close permanently in September 2026. The following chains are closing on September 3: Bar + Block, Table Table, Cookhouse + Pub, and Whitbread Inns / Thyme Bar and Grill.
All 89 locations of family-oriented pub chain Brewers Fayre will shut their doors for good on September 7, following the evening service. A combined total of 261 venues are disappearing as Whitbread pivots towards becoming a "pure-play hotel business".
