Beloved dessert chain Crêpeaffaire has fallen into administration, closing its Chester and Westfield London branches as part of a rescue deal. The closures mark the end of an eight-year presence in Chester and a five-year run at Westfield, leaving local customers bidding farewell to a café praised for its inviting atmosphere and family-friendly charm.

The chain, known for its sweet and savoury crêpes, was hit hard by post-pandemic challenges, including inflation, rising interest rates, and reduced consumer spending in a strained UK hospitality sector. These factors, combined with halted expansion plans and mounting liabilities, led to a financial shortfall that the business could no longer sustain.

By the end of 2024, Crêpeaffaire posted a significant loss, with net liabilities of £1.5m. Despite efforts to cut costs—reducing staff, revising opening hours, and minimizing spending—the company’s losses deepened, from £159,000 in 2023 to £578,000 in 2022.

The Rescue Deal

In January 2025, Crêpeaffaire was acquired out of administration by directors Daniel Spinath and Allen Kerslake under two new entities, Crepe Union and Crepe Trading. The £149,000 deal ensures the continuation of seven UK branches, including those in Brighton, Bromley, Cambridge, Islington, Leeds, Newcastle, and St Albans. Head office staff and most store employees were retained, offering a lifeline for the brand.

The closures are a blow to local communities, particularly in Chester and Westfield, where the cafés had become popular gathering spots. They also highlight the ongoing struggles in the UK hospitality sector, where inflation, tightened budgets, and shifting consumer habits have pushed many businesses to the brink.

Despite the challenges, the new owners remain optimistic about the brand’s potential. Allen Kerslake, managing director, noted:

“The brand has a long and successful trading history in its UK home market with enormous growth potential.” While the immediate future may focus on stabilizing operations, Crêpeaffaire’s leadership is betting on a turnaround strategy to build a leaner, more resilient business.

The closures and restructuring of Crêpeaffaire mirror broader industry trends. Many hospitality businesses are grappling with the aftershocks of the pandemic and economic headwinds, forcing them to reevaluate operations, consolidate assets, or seek rescue deals to survive. Find out more about 2024’s insolvency trends, market insights and acquisition opportunities in our latest EXCLUSIVE report available to our subscribers now.