Major UK restaurant chain with 77 branches declares city centre closure in days
Slug and Lettuce has confirmed its Bournemouth town centre branch will close on February 27 after eight years, as parent company Stonegate Pub Group battles £3 billion debt
A popular bra chain is closing a branch at a popular seaside town (stock)(Image: Maskot via Getty Images)
A prominent UK bar and restaurant chain has revealed that one of its outlets is set to shut down. Slug and Lettuce, which operates 77 sites nationwide, will close its Bournemouth town centre location on February 27.
Renowned for its vibrant ambience and cocktails, The Slug & Lettuce on Old Christchurch Road has been serving the bustling seaside resort for eight years. This outlet launched in 2018, after a £390,000 investment.
Constructed on the site of the former Yates pub on Dean Park Crescent, this establishment became the town centre’s second Slug & Lettuce, alongside the original Richmond Hill venue, reports the Express.
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Announcing the closure, a company spokesperson expressed gratitude to patrons for “celebrating unforgettable moments” with them.
The statement read: “Sadly, we’re saying goodbye to our beloved Slug & Lettuce Bournemouth on February 27.
“We’ve had the best time serving up your favourite sips and tasty dishes, enjoying bottomless brunches and celebrating unforgettable moments together.
“Thank you for being such a special part of our journey.”
Slug & Lettuce establishments are encountering serious difficulties as their parent firm, Stonegate Pub Group, grapples with millions in debt.
The firm is grappling with a £3billion funding gap that surfaced after its 2019 tie-up with competitor Ei, finalised just months before Covid hit and devastated the sector.
Stonegate, which runs over 4,400 additional hospitality establishments across the UK, is mulling the disposal of approximately 1,000 sites to generate funds and prevent collapse.
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