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28
Apr
Liquidator investigates ‘excessive cash withdrawals’ of failed Harrogate restaurant
The liquidators of a failed Harrogate restaurant are investigating “excessive cash withdrawals” made by the director in the run-up to its closure.
They have also raised concerns about “transactions of large and round sums that are not clearly for a business purpose in the period leading up to liquidation”.
The Fabulous 50s Diner on Bower Road opened in 2021 and closed in December 2023.
Ownership transferred to a company called Mo Diner Ltd in 2023.
When it closed, enforcement notices in the window of the American-themed diner said authorised agents acting on behalf of the landlord had “re-entered the land” and “any attempt by you or your agents to enter these premises will result in criminal or civil proceedings being taken against you”.
The former Fabulous 50s Diner on Bower Road.
Jamie Playford, director of licensed insolvency practitioners Leading, was appointed liquidator on February 22, 2024.
A summary of liabilities published the same day by Mr Playford said the company had liabilities of £25,511 and no assets. A total of £22,000 of the sum was owed to a Manchester company called Kinex that provides utilities to small businesses.
In a subsequent progress report, dated April 11, 2025, and published last week, Mr Playford said he had undertaken investigations to establish “whether there were any potential asset recoveries or conduct matters that justified further investigation”.
His report added:
These investigations have consisted primarily of a review of the company’s bank statements for the relevant pre-liquidation period. I have also considered the company’s use of covid support schemes and its entitlement to the same.
My initial investigations have identified some matters of interest which warrant further explanation by the director of the company. These queries relate to the following:
1 Transactions of large and round sums that are not clearly for a business purpose in the period leading up to liquidation.
2 Excessive cash withdrawals.
It is uncertain whether the queries identified will result in realisations, however the relevant action will be taken on receipt of further information in respect of the same.
A report on the conduct of any individuals, who have been directors of the company in the three years prior to the insolvency, is required to be submitted to the Secretary of State within three months of my appointment. I confirm that this has been submitted, however the content of this report is confidential.
Three-year timeline
The Fabulous 50s Diner opened in 2022 on the site of the former Café Rita.
The Stray Ferret reported in August 2023 that the owners of the diner, The Hub Caffe Ltd, had appointed liquidators and applied to be wound up.
The announcement, dated July 27, was authorised by then-director Wagdy Mansour.
Following our article, a post on the diner’s Facebook page said the restaurant had not closed.
It added:
The Fabulous 50's Diner is not closing we have just changed owners. The restaurant is open and will continue to offer the same menus, music, and pizza. We would like you to read carefully, only Mr Wagdy's two companies have gone into liquidation. The Fabulous 50's Diner now belongs to new owner MO DINER LTD.
We are waiting for you to come visit the restaurant. We will continue what Mr Wagdy and his wife started by keeping the memory of you as the initiators of this restaurant.
According to Companies House, the sole director of Mo Diner is Egyptian-born chef Mohamed Elabd, whose address is listed as Norwich.
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