MEATliquor Collapses Into Administration as Burger Sector Faces Mounting Pressure
The popular London-based burger chain MEATliquor has officially collapsed into administration, marking a significant blow to the capital's casual dining scene. Operated by Meatalier, the chain has appointed administrators following the closure of the majority of its branches, as confirmed by official notices in The Gazette.
A Cult-Favourite Falls Victim to Soaring Costs
Once celebrated as a cult-favourite destination for Londoners seeking high-quality street food and craft beer, MEATliquor has succumbed to severe financial difficulties. The chain was forced to shutter five of its eight London locations last month, including prominent sites in Islington, Clapham Junction, and Queensway. Only three establishments remain operational: two restaurants in Oxford Circus and East Dulwich, alongside its sister sports bar, BLOODsports, located in Covent Garden.
Founder Scott Collins had previously voiced concerns about the mounting pressures facing the business. Speaking to Restaurant Online in March, Collins highlighted a perfect storm of challenges: '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.'
From Humble Beginnings to National Expansion
MEATliquor's journey began in 2009 when founders Yianni Papoutsis and Scott Collins launched a mobile burger van known as the MEATwagon. The venture quickly evolved, opening its first permanent restaurant near Oxford Street in 2011. At its peak, the chain operated an impressive 13 restaurants, with 12 across the UK and one international outlet in Singapore.
The original Welbeck Street location became an iconic spot, symbolising the brand's rise within London's competitive food scene. However, the rapid expansion could not shield the business from the harsh economic realities that have recently beset the hospitality sector.
A Wider Crisis Engulfs the Burger Industry
The collapse of MEATliquor is not an isolated incident but rather indicative of a broader crisis affecting the UK's burger restaurant sector. Several other once-trendy chains are facing similar struggles, highlighting systemic issues within the industry.
Patty&Bun, another beloved burger joint, recently announced the closure of four of its six venues via an emotional Instagram post. The message expressed gratitude to customers and staff, noting the closure of its inaugural Marylebone location that launched in November 2012. Only two brick-and-mortar sites now remain for the brand, following a corporate restructure that saw its assets acquired by a new company.
Even established international players are not immune. Five Guys, the cult favourite American chain, has reported widening losses across its European division. Headquartered in London, the arm posted a pre-tax loss of £36.7 million for 2024, following a £16.7 million loss in 2023 and a £35.6 million deficit in 2022. Analysts suggest these losses may be linked to the brand's premium pricing, with a bacon cheeseburger and large fries costing over £20 at some London locations.
Gourmet Burger Kitchen (GBK) has also faced significant turmoil in recent years. The chain closed 26 restaurants and cut 362 jobs in 2020 after being purchased in a rescue deal by Boparan Restaurant Group. Despite a restructuring effort in 2018 that showed initial promise, the pandemic severely impacted liquidity, ultimately leading to administration as the business became unsellable as a solvent entity.
An Uncertain Future for Casual Dining
The administration of MEATliquor underscores the profound challenges confronting the UK's hospitality industry. Rising energy bills, escalating operating costs, supply chain uncertainties, and shifting consumer behaviours have created a hostile environment for many restaurant operators.
As administrators take control of MEATliquor's remaining assets, the future of its three open locations remains uncertain. The collapse serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of even the most beloved dining brands in the current economic climate, with the wider burger sector appearing particularly vulnerable to these mounting pressures.
