The future of the Isle of Wight’s only Beefeater restaurant, Medina Quay, looks uncertain after news emerged that the brand’s parent company Whitbread plans to shut all of its Beefeater and Brewer’s Fayre restaurants.
The hospitality chain is set to scrap all 197 of its standalone restaurants, which also include the Bar + Block chain, The Sun reports. A majority of the restaurants will be converted into an ‘integrated offering’ company boss Dominic Paul said.
It is understood that the change in strategy has come about after Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ hike in National Insurance and Business Rates.
Dominic Paul, Whitbread’s chief executive, said:
“We plan to convert all our remaining branded restaurants to an integrated food and beverage offer that is preferred by our hotel guests and will unlock the addition of more highly profitable extension rooms. Our continued efforts to drive our commercial plan and efficiencies will extend our market-leading position and allow us to take share from our competitors, many of which are struggling to grow.”
Medina Quay has been a Beefeater since the end of 2017 having previously been a Table Table.
It is hoped that a significant number of staff will be kept-on in various roles across the business.
Whitbread has told Island Echo that the proposal is still under consultation so they are unable to comment on any individual restaurant.
Thank Rachel
At this rate, it won’t be long before all the pubs on the island close – imagine that, what will we do?
Just imagine, less drink driving.
Always makes me wonder how many numpties
drive away from pubs over the limit!!
My guess is plenty.
Plod should breathalyse motorists leaving pub car parks.
I quote “It is understood that the change in strategy has come about after Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ hike in National Insurance and Business Rates”
Not really much to add is there…
110% spot on, that is their WEF bosses plan to close down
businesses
Chalk up another one to disastrous chancellor Rachel Reeves incompetent policies. She and the awful Labour government seem determined to wipe out the hospitality industry.
Anyone still contemplating voting for Labour must be off their rocker!