Thu, 05 Feb 2026 | ADMINISTRATION
Bistro Live, an entertainment venue operator with sites in Nottingham, Leicester and Milton Keynes, has announced the permanent closure of its three locations, just months after being acquired out of administration.
The business, a longstanding presence in the UK’s hospitality and entertainment market, fell into administration last year, with John Lowe and Yasmin Bhika of FRP Advisory appointed as joint administrators of Bistro L!ve Limited on October 17 2025.
Following an accelerated sale process, the company’s business and assets were acquired by hospitality staffing firm FM Hospitality in a pre-pack deal.
However, the company has announced its immediate closure, attributing its decision to “ongoing economic challenges facing hospitality in the UK” that it said had “made it impossible for us to continue.”
Prior to its rescue by FM Hospitality, Bistro Live had been badly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with lockdowns and other restrictions forcing its venues to close for 18 months. The company received considerable government support during this period, accumulating significant debts.
Despite undertaking cost-saving measures, rebuilding and seeing some recovery over subsequent years, the lingering effects of its debts, combined with quieter trading during the cost-of-living crisis led to cashflow pressures that forced it into administration.
The rescue deal was reported to have secured more than 100 jobs across Bistro Live’s three sites, while ensuring continuity for customers.
In accounts for the year to October 30 2024, Bistro L!ve Limited’s non-current assets were valued at slightly over £391,000 and current assets at close to £419,000. Its net liabilities at the time, however, exceeded £192,000.
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