Spaghetti House, London’s oldest family-run Italian restaurant chain, has shut all five of its locations after entering administration, with bosses posting a notice on its website expressing ‘deepest gratitude’ to its loyal customers
A cherished UK chain of Italian restaurants has gone into administration, leading to the closure of its eateries as part of the process. The Spaghetti House website has issued an apology to customers, expressing “deepest gratitude” to its patrons for their loyalty over 70 years as a family-run business in London.
Established by Simone Lavarini and his friend Lorenzo Fraquelli in the 1950s, Spaghetti House, which claims to be London’s oldest family-run Italian restaurant, initially opened on Goodge Street.
Until recently, it operated five locations across the capital, serving customers in Marble Arch, Carnaby Street, Oxford Street, Kensington, and Cranbourn Street.
Lavval Restaurants Limited, the company behind the Spaghetti House restaurants, has entered administration, according to an official notice published in the London Gazette.
On May 6, 2026, Asher Miller and Stephen Katz of BTG Begbies Traynor (London) LLP were appointed as joint administrators of the business, reports the Express.
Administration is a procedure where an external entity assumes control of a business to preserve all or part of it, providing protection from creditors and preventing immediate liquidation.
Spaghetti House has not disclosed the reasons behind the closure of its restaurants. The Daily Star has reached out to Spaghetti House for a statement. Spaghetti House earned a spot as a beloved staple among Londoners and garnered glowing reviews from patrons over the years.
According to the company, “As a new wave of Italians brought espresso and ‘la dolce vita’ to London in the 50s, our father Simone Lavarini and his friend Lorenzo Fraquelli decided it was time to introduce the locals to an authentic trattoria experience in the heart of Goodge Street.
“In an era when the British notion of spaghetti came from a can, often served on toast, Spaghetti House’s inaugural slogan was straightforward.
“‘Spaghetti, but not on toast.’ Spaghetti House aimed to educate London about traditional Italian cuisine, serving up classic Minestrone and genuine Bolognese, minus the tinned ingredients.”
Customers have consistently praised the restaurant chain, with a 4.4 out of 5-star rating on Google. One reviewer raved: “Everything is homemade, the bread is divine, and the creamy salmon tagliatelle is to die for. The Americana pizza stands out with its generous drizzle of chilli-infused olive oil. Even on full stomachs, we managed the tiramisu, panacotta, and strawberry coulis, which left us speechless. Simply awesome!”
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