Thu, 23 Oct 2025 | BUSINESS SALE
An entertainment venue operator with sites in Nottingham, Leicester and Milton Keynes has been rescued in a pre-pack administration deal. Bistro Live had been a longstanding name in the hospitality and entertainment industry, but had been majorly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic and associated lockdowns forced the company’s venues to close for 18 months and, despite receiving government support and undertaking cost-saving measures, the business accumulated considerable debts over that period.
While the business saw a recovery over the subsequent years, the lingering effects of the debts it had amassed during the pandemic, combined with quieter trading levels amid the cost-of-living crisis, led to cashflow pressures that ultimately forced the company to appoint administrators.
John Lowe and Yasmin Bhika of FRP Advisory were subsequently appointed as joint administrators of Bistro L!ve Limited on October 17 2025, before completing a sale of the business and assets to FM Hospitality following an accelerated sale process.
The deal is described as ensuring continuity for both the company’s staff and its customers, with the buyer saying that it would be “business as usual” across all of Bistro Live’s venues. The acquisition reportedly saves more than 100 jobs across the three sites.
Joint administrator and FRP Advisory partner John Lowe said: "There are many businesses still struggling with legacy debt from coronavirus and wider economic pressures. This proved insurmountable for Bistro Live. We are therefore pleased to have secured a new future for the business and with it the saviour of so many jobs in the heart of several local communities.”
In accounts for the year to October 30 2024, the company’s non-current assets were valued at slightly over £391,000 and current assets at close to £419,000. Its net liabilities, however, exceeded £192,000.
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