The New World Trading Company, operator of The Botanist bars, has announced the closure of three additional sites in Coventry, Sheffield, and Chester. This decision is part of an ongoing restructuring effort due to financial challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, rising inflation, and the cost-of-living crisis. These closures follow three others in October 2024, including The Florist in Liverpool and Botanist locations in Knutsford and Alderley Edge. The hospitality sector continues to face significant hurdles, with major names like BrewDog and Stonegate also affected. Industry analysts predict further store closures and job losses in 2025 as businesses grapple with high energy costs, increased minimum wages, and additional government expenses.
