Closure date confirmed for Beefeater restaurants as three Cheshire sites prepare to shut
Whitbread has confirmed that all remaining Beefeater restaurants will close on 10 September, including three sites in Cheshire, as part of a major restructuring of its hospitality
By Cheshire Live
Whitbread has confirmed that three Beefeater restaurants in Cheshire will close on 10 September as part of a nationwide restructuring that will see the restaurant brand disappear from the UK.
The closures form part of the Premier Inn owner’s wider strategy to focus on its hotel business. In total, 106 Beefeater restaurants across the country are due to close, with Whitbread aiming to deliver £250 million in cost savings. The company has previously said around 3,800 jobs could be affected, although it expects many employees will have opportunities to move into other roles within the business.
The Cheshire restaurants affected are:
* The Farmhouse, Coppenhall Lane, Crewe * Springwood Park, Tytherington Business Park, Macclesfield * Preston Brook, Chester Road, Runcorn
The Farmhouse in Crewe has already ceased trading and has since been taken over by JD Wetherspoon. The remaining two restaurants are expected to continue operating until the confirmed closure date of 10 September.
Whitbread announced earlier this year that it intends to exit the branded restaurant market, with many former restaurant sites expected to be converted into additional Premier Inn accommodation or sold for alternative uses where appropriate.
The company says the changes are designed to simplify its business and improve long-term returns by concentrating investment on its hotel portfolio.
Although the closure date for Beefeater has now been confirmed, no closure timetable has yet been announced for Brewers Fayre restaurants. Whitbread has previously indicated that it also plans to phase out the Brewers Fayre brand, with further details expected as the programme progresses.
Customers with existing bookings are advised to check directly with their chosen restaurant if they have any queries ahead of the September closure date.