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16

Jul 2020

Last Updated: 16/07/2020
Harrogate
Harrogate

Bistrot Pierre set to close Harrogate restaurant

by Vicky Carr

| 16 Jul, 2020
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The restaurant chain was bought from administration in a pre-pack deal this week. However, its new owners have said they will not reopen six of the 25 branches, including Harrogate.

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Le Bistrot Pierre in Harrogate looks set to be among the first restaurant casualties of the Covid-19 crisis.

The Cheltenham Parade restaurant's owners filed for administration on Tuesday after struggling to find funding to see them through lockdown.

The business was immediately sold to Bistrot Pierre 1994 Ltd in a pre-pack deal, but the new owners have chosen not to reopen six of the 25 restaurants around the UK, including Harrogate. Administrators have confirmed 123 redundancies, but have not said how many of these will be in Harrogate.

Joint administrator Will Wright said:

“COVID-19 and the prolonged lockdown period has presented large swathes of the casual dining sector with significant funding challenges, and Bistrot Pierre has been far from immune.
"Despite exploring all alternative options, including relief schemes like the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan, the directors took the difficult decision to file for the appointment of administrators. We are pleased to have been able to conclude a transaction which preserves the majority of the business and associated jobs, ensuring the chain’s 25-year presence on local high streets can continue.”


Bistrot Pierre is the first restaurant in the Harrogate district to confirm its closure following the coronavirus lockdown. The Yorke Arms at Ramsgill has announced it will not reopen its restaurant, but instead become a country house for private hire.

The Country Living St George Hotel was closed in May after its owners, Shearings, went into administration. Hospitality businesses have told The Stray Ferret their futures could hang in the balance if Harrogate Convention Centre is not reopened this year, bringing much-needed trade for hotels, guesthouses, cafes, restaurants and bars.



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