UK burger chain MEATliquor has announced the closure of five of its seven restaurants, leaving only its Oxford Circus and East Dulwich venues open. The move comes as part of a major restructuring amid soaring beef prices and operational costs.
The affected sites include branches in Islington, Clapham Junction and Queensway in London, as well as restaurants in Brighton and Leeds. The chain's sister venue, BLOODsports bar in Covent Garden, will remain open.
Founder Scott Collins has brought in advisers from BPI Asset Advisory to conduct an urgent review of the business. He cited rising beef prices, energy costs, VAT, rates and wider operational expenses as key factors behind the decision.
MEATliquor evolved from a mobile burger van, the MEATwagon, into a cult-favourite restaurant group known for its 'dirty burger' and street food. It was founded in 2009 by Yianni Papoutsis and Scott Collins, with the first restaurant opening on Welbeck Street in 2011.
