Two-Michelin-starred Umu enters administration
Umu, which specialises in Japanese cuisine, continues to trade while administrators RSM Restructuring Advisory LLP seek interest from potential buyers.
It comes after Michelin-starred The Square, which Abela bought in 2016, was shut down by administrators in the middle of lunch service on Friday (31 January).
Morton’s private members club in Berkeley Square, which employs 40 staff, also entered administration and ceased trading last week.
It follows court action from HMRC to wind up the businesses following the non-payment of VAT.
It is understood that Abela’s other companies, which include the two-Michelin-starred Greenhouse restaurant in Mayfair, are unaffected and remain open.
“At this stage in the process, it is too early to comment on our strategy for the administration,” says Graham Bushby from RSM.
“We are working closely with management and staff in seeking a positive way forward. We understand that the current situation is uncertain for many staff members across this group of businesses and we will be looking to provide clarity as soon as we can.”
The Marlon Abela Restaurant Corporation came under scrutiny last year after auditors raised a red flag over its accounts.
Abela was served with a bankruptcy petition by his lawyers in October 2019.
