LONDON: A fixture of London’s Arab cultural scene for decades, Lebanese restaurant group Maroush told Arab News it wants to continue serving the British capital for “many years to come,” despite reports of it going into administration.
Several reports on Friday suggsted the business, opened in 1981 by Lebanese couple Marouf and Houda Abouzaki, had entered administration status, citing a notice published in the London Gazette.
The group operates restaurants in London neighborhoods popular among Arabs.
When contacted by Arab News for comment, the owners made no reference to the notice, but said they were carrying on as usual.
“Many have been asking about the future of Maroush. We want to reassure you that we are very much open and continuing to trade as normal,” the restaurant said.
“Maroush has been part of London since 1981, and we’re focused on making sure we can keep serving you for many years to come,” it added.
The brand’s first restaurant opened on Edgware Road after the Abouzakis relocated to London during the Lebanese Civil War.
They sought to introduce authentic Lebanese food and culture to British diners at a time of rapidly growing demand for international cuisine during the 1980s.
Maroush grew into a treasured restaurant group, serving a loyal customer base of British and Arab diners and earning praise from food critics.
The original Edgware Road restaurant became a flagship venue and often served more than 150 guests at once across its two floors.
The venue was treasured for its bright atmosphere, late-night service, live Lebanese music and belly dancing.
Maroush’s website says its mission is to bring “the heart of Beirut” to London through authentic Lebanese cuisine and hospitality.
The notice of administration comes amid mounting anxiety within the UK’s hospitality sector over rising operating costs, labor shortages and shifting consumer spending trends.
Based on financial statements, Maroush had experienced years of financial pressure and rising costs.
Its accounts for the year ending March 30, 2024, show that the business incurred a net loss of more than £3.4 million ($4.5 million).
This indicated “the existence of a material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt about the company’s ability to continue as a going concern,” an auditor’s report said at the time.
Administrators have not publicly disclosed the reasons behind the insolvency or released a statement on the future of the brand.
