All that you must know as British burger chain falls into administration

Need to know

MEATliquor has called in the administrators as only two stores remain after soaring energy prices and spiralling running costs have pushed the business to the brink

NEED TO KNOW: Beloved London burger chain MEATliquor goes bust as restaurant industry faces mounting pressures

• Cult-favourite MEATliquor has gone bust after calling in administrators, dealing a devastating blow to burger fans across London.
• The beloved chain was forced to close five of its eight London sites last month, including branches in Islington, Clapham Junction and Queensway. Only three venues remain open – two in Oxford Circus and East Dulwich, plus sister sports bar BLOODsports in Covent Garden.
• Soaring energy prices and spiralling running costs have pushed the business to breaking point. Founder Scott Collins warned: “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.”
• The burger empire started as a humble mobile van called MEATwagon in 2009 before exploding into a restaurant phenomenon. At its peak, the chain boasted 13 locations across the UK and even reached Singapore.
• MEATliquor joins Italian chain Veeno Bars in administration after both were battered by rising costs. Veeno appointed administrators on April 8 in a desperate bid to survive after 13 years serving authentic Sicilian food across major UK cities.
• The restaurant industry is facing unprecedented pressure as businesses struggle with mounting overheads and economic uncertainty.
• READ THE FULL STORY: British burger chain falls into administration as bosses close all but two branches