Neat Burger, the vegan restaurant chain co-founded by Sir Lewis Hamilton and Leonardo DiCaprio, has announced the closure of all its UK locations, marking the end of its six-year run in the country, as reported by The Sun. The closures, which will result in the potential loss of approximately 150 jobs, come after a period of financial difficulties for the brand.
Financial struggles in the UK
The chain, established in 2019, had expanded to several cities, including London, Milan, and New York. Despite receiving positive reviews for its plant-based offerings, Neat Burger faced mounting challenges in recent years. In 2023, the company reported significant financial losses, with figures showing a 140% increase in losses, reaching £7.9 million for the year. At the time, Neat Burger attributed these struggles to various factors, including reduced foot traffic due to changes in working patterns and rising operational costs, including food, energy, and property expenses.
In response to these challenges, Neat Burger closed half of its eight locations in London in 2023. The company stated that this move was part of a broader strategy to focus on smaller, more manageable outlets in multiple cities. A spokesperson at the time noted, “Sometimes, taking a step back is necessary to make a bigger leap forward.”
Attempted recovery via rebranding
In an effort to turn around its fortunes, Neat Burger rebranded in 2024, shortening its name to simply “Neat” and introducing a new menu designed to feature fresher, healthier ingredients. The company also secured partnerships with brands such as Oshi and MeliBio. However, these efforts were not enough to prevent further closures, including the shuttering of the New York location in the same year.
By early 2025, only two UK locations remained operational, both of which are now set to close as well. A spokesperson for the company confirmed the decision to The Sun, stating “We have no further comment at this time, other than to confirm that the business has taken the difficult decision to close its UK restaurants.”
The closures mark the end of the brand’s presence in the UK, leaving its future uncertain as the company reassesses its strategy.
