Many have blamed government policies, such as increased National Insurance costs and the minimum wage increase, for financial struggles. Others have pointed to a shift from shopping in physical stores to shopping online.
Major high street brands also collapsed into administration in January 2026. This has sparked fresh fears for the health of British town centres, as a number of businesses such as River Island and Poundland announce store closures spilling over from 2025 into this year.
Big brands are now at risk of disappearing off the British high street as they fall into administration. A total of nine popular high street chains were among those that collapsed into administration at the beginning of the year, including pub chains and familiar high street restaurants.
The business and assets of Liberty Bar and Restaurant Group Limited, which is the UK operator of the American-themed restaurant chain, have been bought by Sugarloaf TGIF Operations Limited. It came straight after administrators were appointed.
Among the most recent appointments of administrators is The Original Factory Shop, which has 137 stores across the UK. Administrators were appointed on January 27, and the company listed several reasons for being in this position.
Rick Harrison, managing director at Interpath and joint administrator, said: “The Original Factory Shop has long-been a cornerstone of local high streets up and down the country. Unfortunately, however, trading challenges have impacted the business such that the company had to be placed into administration.”
Revolution Bars, which has shuttered 21 of its venues across the UK, entered administration only a few days ago. The pub chain, which will keep 41 of its venues open, has had to let go of 591 staff members as a result.
Administrators revealed The Revel Collective will close 14 Revolution Bars locations, six Revolucion de Cuba outlets and one pub within its Peach Pubs division. Administrators from FTI confirmed a pair of agreements which will safeguard the future of 41 sites and 1,582 positions.
“Immediately on appointment, the Administrators completed two sale transactions for the business and assets of the Group: (i) a sale of Revolution, Revolucion de Cuba and Founders and Co to Neos Holdco Limited and certain of its subsidiaries, trading as Neos Hospitality and (ii) a sale of Peach pubs to Coral Pub Company Acquisition Limited, founded by Ted Kennedy”, a statement read.
