Tue, 18 Nov 2025 | BUSINESS SALE
A steakhouse chain with restaurants across the Midlands and East of England has been acquired out of administration in a deal that safeguards close to 160 jobs. Middletons Steakhouse & Grill collapsed earlier this month in the face of challenging trading conditions.
The business opened its first restaurant in Middleton, Norfolk in 2011, subsequently expanding to have seven restaurants in Chelmsford, Colchester, King's Lynn, Leicester, Milton Keynes, Norwich and Peterborough.
However, rising raw material and labour costs, combined with fragile consumer confidence in the face of the cost-of-living crisis, led to the company facing severe challenges.
As a result, the chain’s directors sought to undertake a review of the available sale, investment and restructuring options. However, a marketing process was unable to deliver a solvent solution.
Tim Bateson and James Clark of Interpath Advisory were subsequently appointed as joint administrators of Gastro Pubs Limited, trading as Middletons Steakhouse & Grill, on November 14 2025.
Following their appointment, the joint administrators completed a sale of the company’s business and assets to a new group controlled by Middletons’ existing shareholders. The deal means that all seven restaurant sites will continue to trade, with 159 jobs safeguarded.
Interpath Advisory director and Middletons joint administrator Tim Bateson said: “Hospitality businesses up and down the country continue to battle hard in the face of strong trading headwinds.”
“Whilst these challenges proved insurmountable for Gastro Pubs Limited, we are pleased to have concluded this transaction which will allow the Company’s seven Middletons Steakhouse & Grill restaurants to continue trading, preserving the jobs of their loyal staff.”
In accounts for the year to April 28 2024, Gastro Pubs Limited’s fixed assets were valued at £850,000 and current assets at approximately £950,000. However, the firm’s net liabilities at the time amounted to around £4.8 million.
Financial distress is increasing sharply at UK businesses, with SMEs particularly vulnerable
Read more about M&A in the UK's food and beverage industry
An exceptional opportunity awaits to acquire a high-end restaurant with a robust reputation and steady profitability in a thriving rural town in Leinster.
This thriving restaurant in Ireland boasts a huge customer base and a strong reputation, situated in a prime location with convenient parking. The business is fully equipped and efficiently run by a capable management team, allowing the owners to be...
An outstanding opportunity to acquire a highly regarded restaurant in the affluent area of Heaton Moor, Stockport, boasting strong repeat trade and a stylish dining environment.
LEASEHOLD
Please choose your settings for this site below. For more information please read our Cookie Policy
These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly and provide you with access to all features.
These are analytics cookies that help us to improve the way our website works.
These are used to improve the functional performance of the website and make it easier for you to use.