Crussh, a well-known London juice bar chain based in Wimbledon is the latest in the series of liquidations across hospitality venues in the UK. This liquidation signals a significant downturn for a business that once symbolised the vibrant and health-conscious lifestyle of the capital. 

The healthy drinks business once boasted numerous outlets in prime locations like Kensington, Soho, and the bustling Square Mile. Now, it is the latest casualty of a challenging economic climate. These high-footfall areas, typically resilient, couldn’t sustain Crussh through the recent economic headwinds. Squeezed consumer spending, escalating costs, and recent tax hikes have proven fatal. Mayfair-based business recovery firm Voscap appointed as liquidators this week. This appointment underscores the seriousness of Crussh’s financial predicament. 

Crussh, founded in 1998 by serial entrepreneur James Learmond, quickly grew from its Wimbledon origins to encompass dozens of stores across London. It even forged a significant partnership with Sainsbury’s to operate supermarket counters and a smoothie deal with WeWork. 

Crussh’s demise underscores a wider trend of financial distress within the UK hospitality sector. Most small businesses are grappling with increased employer taxes, minimum wage rises from £11.44 to £12.21 per hour, and reduced business rates relief. The relief has been cut from a 75% discount to just 40% as outlined in the Autumn Budget. These specific policy changes, implemented at the start of the tax year, have demonstrably added significant cost pressures to struggling businesses. 

This liquidation comes despite a 2023 rescue. It highlights the precarious state of many businesses amidst a backdrop of rising insolvencies nationwide. Following a period of significant challenges, including store closures and the shuttering of its Notting Hill headquarters during the Covid-19 pandemic, Crussh was acquired out of administration by a consortium led by Jason Collins. This acquisition, just a year prior, offered a glimmer of hope, with some stores reopening. However, this proved to be a temporary reprieve.

Learmond’s ambitious vision to make Crussh a global brand ultimately fell short. The closure puts dozens of jobs at risk and further contributes to the concerning statistic that businesses across Britain are shutting down at a rate not seen since the financial crash. This is compounded by a surge in winding-up petitions. Over one in ten of those facing such action in April were retail and hospitality businesses, painting a bleak picture for the sector’s immediate future.