Las Iguanas closes Lakeside restaurant after nearly two decades
Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 10:58 · Archive
Las Iguanas has permanently closed its restaurant at Lakeside Shopping Centre in West Thurrock after almost 20 years of operation. The venue, known for Latin American cuisine and a 2-for-£13 cocktail happy hour offer, reportedly shut on 27 September and has been removed from both the shopping centre's and Las Iguanas' websites. The nearest remaining Las Iguanas branch is in Chelmsford.
The closure comes amid serious financial difficulties at Iguanas Holdings Limited, which operates 44 Las Iguanas restaurants across the UK. Company lawyers described the business as "heavily loss-making" and dependent on financial support from its parent company, The Big Table Group, which also owns Frankie & Benny's, Bella Italia and Banana Tree.
In June, Mr Justice Meade approved a restructuring plan at the High Court designed to keep the company out of administration. The scheme, backed by most creditors, will write off around £37 million owed to one creditor and bring a £3 million investment from The Big Table Group for a turnaround.
The company reported losing nearly £10 million in 2025. Lawyers told the court that the UK casual dining sector had faced "substantial problems" owing to high inflation, weaker consumer spending and rising taxes. Trading conditions "remain very challenging" despite improvements to the Las Iguanas menu and customer experience.
The restructuring plan is similar to those used by other high-street chains including Poundland, River Island and Revolution Bars. The Essex area has already seen other closures under restructuring arrangements, including Poundland stores in Witham and Rayleigh and a Revolution bar in Southend.
How it is being reported
- Major bar chain closes Essex restaurant after almost two decadesLas Iguanas has closed permanently at Lakeside Shopping Centre in West Thurrock after almost 20 years, amid financial challenges.Brentwood Guardian · 17 Oct, 09:57
- Major bar chain closes Essex restaurant after almost two decadesLas Iguanas has closed permanently at Lakeside Shopping Centre in West Thurrock after almost 20 years, amid financial challenges.Colchester Gazette · 17 Oct, 09:57
- Major bar chain closes Essex restaurant after almost two decadesLas Iguanas has closed permanently at Lakeside Shopping Centre in West Thurrock after almost 20 years, amid financial challenges.Echo (Basildon) · 17 Oct, 09:57
In this story: Las Iguanas · Lakeside Shopping Centre · West Thurrock · The Big Table Group · Iguanas Holdings Limited · Chelmsford
This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem
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