Harvester Restaurant Chain Closes Over 150 UK Locations
The Harvester at Meridian Leisure Park on Lubbesthorpe Way will close permanently after service on April 24, 2026. The site has served the local community for 15 years.
Site closure and company statement
Mitchells and Butlers confirmed the permanent shutdown. The company said the decision followed a careful review of its estate.
The operator noted Harvester is part of a wider restaurant chain that runs more than 150 UK eateries. Management said they aim to reopen in the area when the right site is found.
Staff redeployment plans
Leaders say they are in talks with affected employees. They hope to relocate as many team members as possible to nearby branches.
Neighbouring Harvester sites in Loughborough and Nuneaton were named as likely options for redeployment. The company thanked local guests and the Meridian Park team for their support.
Local reaction
Former customers expressed disappointment about the closure. Many highlighted concerns for staff and a loss of a popular family dining venue.
Patrons also noted they had enjoyed the site’s salad bar and convenient location for leisure visits. Some urged management to preserve jobs where possible.
Sector pressures and a separate insolvency
The leisure and dining market faces rising operating costs and property challenges. Those pressures have affected a range of casual dining businesses.
Veeno Bars enters administration
Italian bar and restaurant group Veeno Bars appointed administrators on April 8, 2026. The move aims to stabilise the business and seek a sustainable future.
Veeno began in 2013. Founders Nino Caruso and Andrea Zecchino built the brand around Sicilian wines from their family vineyard.
The chain expanded to cities including Bristol, Durham, Edinburgh, Leeds and Leicester. It also opened a site in Wroclaw, Poland.
Two Veeno locations had already closed. Manchester shut in August 2022 and Chester closed in February 2026.
Founder Nino Caruso cited rising costs and property pressures as key challenges. Administrators will attempt restructuring, but outcomes are uncertain.
Filmogaz.com reported the closure and the wider sector developments. The moves underline persistent challenges in UK casual dining.
