The well-known UK fast food and restaurant chain Leon has officially entered administration, resulting in the immediate closure of seven sites across the country and putting approximately 200 jobs at risk.
Restructuring Plan and Widespread Closures
After formally entering administration earlier in December 2025, the company has appointed business advisory firm Quantuma to oversee its recovery and long-term strategy. This move involves a significant restructuring plan that will see around 20 restaurants shut down permanently.
The chain has confirmed that the following seven locations are now permanently closed:
- LEON – Tongham, Surrey
- LEON – Notting Hill Gate, London
- LEON ASDA – Milton Keynes
- LEON – Westfield London, Shepherd’s Bush, London
- LEON – George Street, Richmond upon Thames, London
- LEON Chancery Lane – High Holborn, central London
- LEON – Cheapside, London
CEO Cites Unsustainable Tax Burden
Leon's founder and CEO, John Vincent, pointed to a harsh economic climate as a primary cause for the company's difficulties. He stated that the performance of Leon's peers shows widespread challenges, with many companies reporting significant losses.
"Today for every pound we receive from the customer, around 36p goes to the government in tax, and about 2p ends up in the hands of the company," Vincent explained. He argued that this model is why most players in the sector are reporting big losses.
Vincent also referenced the chain's previous ownership, noting, "In the last two years, Asda had bigger fish to fry, and Leon was always a business they didn’t feel fitted their strategy." He expressed a commitment to rebuilding the brand on its core values with the aim of returning to profitability and growth.
Administrators Aim for Business Rescue
In a statement, the appointed administrators from Quantuma struck a positive note about the brand's potential for recovery. They indicated they are looking forward to working with the Leon team to find the best outcome for all stakeholders, including creditors, suppliers, and employees.
The administrators highlighted the brand's strong reputation, saying, "LEON is obviously a much loved and cherished member of the retail food community as we have already had very positive support from its supplier base and many of its landlords."
The coming weeks will be critical for the future of the remaining Leon outlets and its workforce as Quantuma seeks a viable path forward for the troubled chain.
