Bow Street swings to annual loss amid lower revenue, higher costs

Bow Street Group PLC on Wednesday expressed optimism for trading this year, despite a ‘challenging consumer environment’, as it posted a swing to an annual loss.

The London-based casual dining restaurant operator swung to a pretax loss of £9.3 million for the financial year that ended December 28, from profit of £16.0 million a year prior.

Revenue fell 14% to £31.3 million from £36.6 million, which Bow Street said was in line with management’s expectations, and driven in part by the restructuring of its estate in the prior year.

Bow Street reported 32 restaurants trading at the end of the year, down from 36 a year prior.

Bow Street also noted that various months of the financial year provided a ‘challenging trading environment’.

Also impacting the bottom line were increased costs, as operating expenses of £17.6 million, swung from income of £2.2 million.

The prior year Bow Street reported an £18.6 million gain on lease modifications/disposals, compared to a £39,000 loss in financial 2025.

It also recorded a £7.3 million impairment charge, up from £1.9 million a year prior.

Bow Street noted that trading has ‘continued to improve’ since the start of the financial year, with like-for-like sales up 6.1% in March.

‘While macroeconomic pressures remain, the group’s improving trading performance, cash resources and ongoing investment in the existing estate position it well to deliver further progress during the year.’ said the company.

Shares in Bow Street were trading 1.4% higher at 0.30 pence on Wednesday morning in London.

‘2025 was an important year for the Group as we strengthened our balance sheet and implemented a new strategy for long-term growth,’ said Executive Chair David Page.

‘Looking forward, whilst the consumer environment remains challenging, we are confident that 2026 will be an exciting year of rebuilding, refreshment and transformation for Bow Street.’

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