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Leon to Close About 20 High-Street Restaurants After Entering Administration

Management attributes sustained losses to cost inflation alongside looming business-rate changes, prompting a focus on airports, stations and service areas.

Overview

  • The fast-casual chain appointed Quantuma as administrators last month and is pursuing a restructuring plan with landlords.
  • About 20 high-street sites are being shut as the company pivots toward higher-footfall transport hubs perceived to deliver stronger returns.
  • Co-founder John Vincent said annual losses are around £10 million, citing rising operating costs and changes to business rates.
  • Business-rate relief has been scaled back and is due to be removed entirely in April 2026, which the company says increases pressure on high-street locations.
  • Job cuts are expected, with Leon setting up a redundancy support programme and a dedicated recruitment channel for affected staff at Pret A Manger.