Spaghetti House has closed all its remaining London restaurants after its parent company went into administration, leaving 101 employees out of work. The iconic Italian chain, a staple in London's Theatreland for 70 years, shut its final five locations in Marble Arch, Carnaby Street, Oxford Street, Kensington High Street, and Cranbourn Street.
Financial Struggles and Blame
Luigi Lavarini, head of the parent company Lavval Restaurants, attributed the collapse to global and domestic political factors. He stated: 'Years of increasing costs from the pandemic, Brexit, Government budgets, and global instability have created difficult market conditions for hospitality. Balancing these costs with reduced demand and spending from customers as they navigate the rising cost of living has proven too challenging. Despite best efforts and seeking professional advice, we have had to make this difficult but necessary decision to wind down our business.'
The chain's first-ever location on Goodge Street, opened in 1955 by Simone Lavarini and Lorenzo Fraquelli, closed months ago, along with sites in Mayfair and Fitzrovia.
Historical Significance
Spaghetti House was founded in 1955 by Simone Lavarini and remained family-run throughout its 70-year history. Beyond its famous pasta dishes, the restaurant gained notoriety in 1975 when its Knightsbridge branch was held hostage by three robbers following a failed robbery.
Administration Process
Corporate administrators BTG were appointed to wind down the business. Asher Miller, partner at BTG, commented: 'After a number of years of challenging market conditions worsened by soaring operational, employment, energy and tax costs affecting the hospitality industry, the directors of Lavval Restaurants approached BTG for advice on their available options. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, the directors made the difficult decision to enter administration and appoint us to manage the controlled wind-down of the business.'
The closure marks the end of an era for a beloved London institution that served generations of diners.
