Restaurant closures in UK now ‘at epidemic levels’

More than 1,000 restaurants went bust in Britain in the year through September — a 24% rise on the previous 12 months, as the industry grapples with overcapacity as consumer spending slows, accountants Moore Stephens said.

Restaurant chains such as Carluccio’s, Prezzo, Jamie’s Italian, and Strada have closed outlets in the last year, and there are few signs of any pick-up in demand.