National UK restaurant chain to close 23 sites amid administration

Leon, founded in London in 2004, built its reputation on a menu of “naturally fast food”, offering salads, wraps, hot boxes and breakfast dishes marketed as a fresher, healthier alternative to traditional fast food.

The chain expanded rapidly in city centres, railway stations and transport hubs, but has struggled in recent years with rising costs and changing trading conditions.

Leon has now revealed that 23 company‑owned restaurants have ceased trading during a major restructuring process, while its franchised outlets are understood to be unaffected.

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The company formerly had an Oxford branch on Cornmarket Street which opened in 2018, but this closed two years ago.

Leon went into administration in December after coming under mounting financial pressure, with insolvency specialists from BTG Advisory and Quantuma brought in to examine options for the business.

Co‑founder John Vincent has since injected £2.5 million of his own money into the company as part of a rescue package that is expected to allow Leon to exit administration.

Following the shake‑up, the group will continue to trade with 43 sites across the country, made up of 20 company‑run restaurants and 23 franchised locations.

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A proposed Company Voluntary Arrangement, which sets out how Leon plans to deal with its creditors, is due to go before a vote on May 27.

Mr Vincent originally sold Leon to supermarket giant Asda in 2021 but bought the business back in October 2025 as financial problems deepened.

He said management had been concentrating on rebuilding the brand since the buy‑back and acknowledged that widespread closures were inevitable if the chain was to survive.

Staff who were unable to move to other Leon branches were offered the chance to apply for positions at Pret A Manger, although the business has not disclosed how many jobs have been lost.

Leon has also brought back several senior figures from its earlier growth phase to help steer the turnaround, including Mr Chris Burford as chief financial officer and Nick Scovell as operations director.

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The company plans to revamp its menu over the coming year, promising refreshed versions of existing dishes and the return of popular favourites in a bid to strengthen its position in the crowded fast‑food market.

Mr Vincent admitted the restructuring process had been bruising but argued it was essential to safeguard Leon’s future.

He said the chain can now move out of administration and continue “its rejuvenation as a smaller but more sustainable company”.

“There is a lot of affection for Leon, and I am committed to working on behalf of our guests, teams and suppliers to make the company what people want it to be,” he said.