Hummus Brothers becomes latest casual dining chain to call in administrators

High street a 'very difficult place to operate in at this time', company says

Byron, Jamie’s Italian, Strada, and Prezzo have all announced restructuring plans this year amid tough conditions (istock)

Mediterranean restaurant chain Hummus Brothers has gone into administration, making it the latest in a string of casual dining chains to fall victim to rising rates and slow consumer spending.

The company was founded in 2005 and had six outlets across London.

In a statement posted on Twitter, Hummus Brothers said: "The combination of the pound falling after the Brexit vote, which pushed up the costs of our raw ingredients, as well as property rents and business rates going up ever higher, make the high street a very difficult place to operate in at this time."

Byron, Jamie’s Italian, Strada, and Prezzo have all experienced financial difficulty, shedding staff and closing stores since the turn of the year.

Carluccio's was also recently given approval for its company voluntary arrangement which puts 500 jobs at risk.

Hummus Brothers said on Tuesday that it had tried to make money from other sources beyond the high street, working in large companies’ canteens of and taking on street food vans for markets and festivals. It also launched its own supermarket product.

“Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, the business didn’t generate enough cash to keep running until we changed course so, very reluctantly and sadly, we had to close the business,” the company said.

ReSolve Partners have been brought in as administrators.