Friday Five: The week's top news

By Sophie Witts

- Last updated on GMT

Friday Five: The week's top news

Related tags Square pie Restaurant Eating Food

From more possible closures on the high street to another US brand landing in the UK, we round-up some of the top stories you might have missed this week.

- Gourmet pie group Square Pie has fallen in to administration with 50 redundancies and the closure of its five remaining restaurants​. In a statement the company blamed a 'perfect storm' of falling trade and rising rents, food and staffing costs for the decision. Square Pie's wholesale business is still trading and will continue to fulfil its orders.

- Sandwich chain Eat has become the latest operator to call in advisors in a further sign of tough times on the high street. The group has brought in KPMG to consider its options - which could see closures across its 100+ estate.

- In other sandwich news US-based chain Which Wich is looking to follow in the footsteps of Subway by launching a bid to conquer the UK market.​ The 500-strong company, founded in Dallas in 2003, will open its debut London site in Central St Giles later this month, ahead of plans to open ten shops in the capital.

- More good news for Mowgli, the North-based Indian street food brand, which says it could open up to five further restaurants​ this year on the back of strong trading. The four-strong group saw like-for-like sales rise 11.5% in December, and is eyeing sites in Nottingham, Leeds and Manchester for new openings.

- Canterbury restaurant Deeson's, which was recommended in the Michelin Guide, has closed its doors with a plea for diners to support independent businesses.​ A note posted on the restaurant's Twitter account said: "The cost of running a restaurant in the current financial climate has proven just too much. Passion, unfortunately, does not pay the bills."

For a full rundown of this week's news click here.

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