The company behind TV chef Gino D’Acampo’s restaurant chain, Upmarket Hotels & Leisure, has been issued a winding-up petition by HMRC. The petition, filed with the High Court, targets the firm which operates five British restaurants named after the chef.
A winding-up petition is a legal process initiated against a company unable to pay its debts. HMRC commonly uses this tool when companies fail to settle tax bills. This action could threaten the high street presence of Gino D’Acampo’s restaurants, just over a year after the business was rescued from collapse.
Upmarket Hotels & Leisure runs four Gino D’Acampo restaurants in Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Leeds, alongside Luciano by Gino D’Acampo in London. The company entered administration last year before an unnamed buyer acquired it for £5m, saving 400 jobs. At the time of its administration, a related company, Upmarket Leisure, saw losses widen to nearly £1.5m, with total debts approaching £6m.
HMRC stated it takes a supportive approach to tax debts and only files winding-up petitions after exhausting all other options to protect taxpayers' money. Upmarket Hotels & Leisure was unavailable for comment.