Famous chef confirms shock closure of three restaurants

ok.co.uk:

A famous chef has been forced to shut down three branches of his restaurant chain after entering administration earlier in the month.

Spanish tapas chain Ibérica, led by Michelin-starred chef Nacho Manzano, has closed three sites across the UK. Ibérica boasted four restaurants in London and one in Leeds - however, the branches in Leeds, Canary Wharf and Marylebone have now closed, as confirmed by professional services firm RSM to The Sun.The Farringdon restaurant is still open after being saved the Camino group, which has also taken an option on the closed Victoria site.

Gordon Thomson, RSM UK Restructuring Advisory Partner and Joint Administrator, said in a statement: "Following a challenging trading environment post-pandemic, hospitality, particularly casual dining, has been hit with staff shortages, increased costs, and lower spending per cover, which all contributed to Ibérica entering administration. "We worked with the Ibérica management to find a solution for the Farringdon site and the associated staff; and we are working with the remaining staff to seek redundancy support." While the changes have reportedly secured 40 jobs, around 23 redundancies have been confirmed in Leeds.

OK! has reached out to RSM for comment. Nacho opened the first Ibérica restaurant in London in 2008, with the hopes of bringing Spanish cuisine to the UK.