Fishworks restaurant goes into administration
Seafood chain FishWorks today became the latest high street firm to go into administration.
The firm, which was started in Bath and operates 10 restaurants and fishmongers in London and the South West including one in Whiteladies Road, Bristol, said accountnts PricewaterhouseCoopers had been appointed as administrators.
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A spokesman for FishWorks said the chain will continue to trade while PwC considered a number of bids for the business, including from the existing management team of chief executive Paul Goodale and finance director Stephen Easthope.
Luke Johnson, the chairman of Channel 4, is also reportedly considering a rescue bid for the firm, which he also bailed out in 2007.
Mr Johnson, who made his name transforming PizzaExpress into a national chain, is a key investor with an 11 per cent stake.
The firm suspended its shares earlier this month amid uncertainty over its financial position.
As well as its restaurants, the company provides home delivery of fish through its website and runs cookery schools in Bristol and in Richmond.
It was founded in 1994 by former fishmonger Mitch Tonks, who left last year. The company has seven restaurants in London and three in the South West.
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by what, bristol
Thursday, January 22 2009, 11:15AM
“they are only having a bit of fun in this unhappy world of ours
at least ymost of you have your health so you can get other jobs and yes there are other jobs out there if you look ny brother did ok it took him 4 weeks but he did it he didnt moan about it”
by Kate, bristol
Wednesday, January 21 2009, 11:35PM
“Ref to Dave comments - administration of Fishworks was not reported in press 2 weeks ago it was yesterday - they stopped trading shares 2 weeks ago. And for all those sad people with nothing better to do than take the mick out of other peoples misfortunes I hope you go through the same thing!! I am currently on maternity leave with a baby and a partner that has now been made redundant. Maybe you would be a little more understanding if your jobs were unsafe. Its not funny as this is happening all over the country. Stop being selfish with your childish comments and maybe think about how this recession is ruining peoples lives.”
by Chris, bristol
Wednesday, January 21 2009, 11:27PM
“Sorry i meant that they were NOT going to get paid”
by Chris, bristol
Wednesday, January 21 2009, 11:25PM
“Thanks Jim - Yes I had the Heart wrenching task of phoning all of my staff today and telling them that not only did they no longer have a job but that they had to apply to get the money they are owed because they were goning to get paid! All of that less than 2 hours after we were officially told that we were going into administration and that we were to trade as normal!”
by Jim, Cardiff, ex Bristol
Wednesday, January 21 2009, 11:19PM
“Well, it's been confirmed that 6 of the ten restaurants are to shut. Only the ones in Bath and 3 in London will remain open.
90 jobs lost, including perhaps 20 in Bristol. Everyone still joking!?”
by Chris, Bristol
Wednesday, January 21 2009, 11:18PM
“No your quite right Anne - We the staff of Fishworks who have now been made redundant with immediate effect and no pay don't find it funny at all. And My site WAS actually making money!”
by Prawn Lucky, Southville
Wednesday, January 21 2009, 6:48PM
“For those left trawling for somewhere to buy fish - A new wet fish shop is opening next to Ashton Fruit & Veg on North Street this weekend - called "Fishminister"”
by Martin, Clifton
Wednesday, January 21 2009, 3:54PM
“Can't say I am surprised. I pass the shop on Whiteladies daily, and it always seems over staffed for the amount of customers it has.”
by Paul, Bristol
Wednesday, January 21 2009, 3:47PM
“But at least they can go and search for the job of their Breams now?
I'll get me coat.”
by Anne, Bristol
Wednesday, January 21 2009, 3:32PM
“I don't think the people who work at this restaurant and are about to lose their jobs will find your childish humour very funny do you?”