Whitbread has announced the closure of 12 Beefeater and Brewers Fayre restaurants in and around Birmingham, with the first sites expected to close in April and May 2025. The decision will result in approximately 50 job losses across the region, according to a company spokesperson.
Closures timeline
The first closures are scheduled for 14 April 2025 at the Beefeater on Stratford Road in Shirley, followed by the Brewers Fayre at Birmingham Business Park on 21 April. A further 10 sites will close in phases through to the end of August 2025.
Impact on staff
Whitbread said it would redeploy employees where possible, but acknowledged that redundancies are unavoidable. A spokesperson said: 'We have made the difficult decision to close these restaurants due to changing customer habits and rising operational costs. We are committed to supporting our affected colleagues through redeployment or redundancy processes.'
Reasons for closure
The company cited increased costs of food and energy, as well as a shift in dining habits towards more casual and delivery-based options, as factors behind the closures. The affected sites have seen a sustained decline in customer visits over the past three years.
Future plans
Whitbread confirmed it will invest in its remaining Beefeater and Brewers Fayre outlets in the West Midlands, including refurbishments and menu updates. The company said it remains committed to the region, with over 30 other sites still operating in Birmingham and the surrounding areas.
Local reaction
Birmingham City Council expressed disappointment at the closures but noted that the hospitality sector is under significant pressure across the UK. Councillor John Smith, cabinet member for economy, said: 'We will work with Jobcentre Plus and local partners to help affected staff find new opportunities.'
The closures reflect wider trends in the pub and restaurant industry, with many chains shrinking their estates. According to industry data, the number of UK pub closures rose by 12% in 2024 compared to the previous year.
