Le Pain Quotidien Chain Enters Administration, Closes Nine Stores in UK with 250 Job Losses

Le Pain Quotidien, a cafe chain, has entered administration and closed nine of its ten stores in the UK, resulting in the loss of 250 jobs.

The closures are primarily in central London, and one store will remain open in St Pancras International station.

Kroll has been brought in as administrators, and while a company voluntary agreement or sale of the business were considered, neither were viable options.

The company faced financial pressure due to the cost of living crisis, falling footfall in London, and increased wage costs.

The UK business was purchased in the early months of the pandemic, and prior to COVID-19, there were 26 UK sites owned by a Belgian company.

The international operations of Le Pain Quotidien, in more than a dozen countries, are unaffected.