THE Handmade Burger Co, which has a restaurant in Southampton's Westquay centre, has gone out of business with the loss of 283 jobs.

As reported by the Daily Echo the chain went bust in 2017 but was rescued after being sold by administrators.

David Griffiths, Conrad Beighton and Paul Masters of Leonard Curtis Business Rescue & Recovery were appointed administrators of the company today, and the firm says despite "considerable" efforts, all 18 restaurants across the UK have been closed.

Joint Administrator David Griffiths said: “The casual dining market in the UK has experienced significant challenges over the last four years, largely as a result of overcapacity in the sector, which has resulted in a significant number of insolvencies. 

“Sales at Handmade Burger Co. restaurants have almost halved during this period, which has proved to be unsustainable. 

"It is disappointing that circumstances have meant that a sale of the business has not been possible in this case, but our focus now should be on those employees affected by this difficult news. 

"We will work hard to provide them with all necessary assistance to claim for monies which remain due to them.”