THE Oxford branch of the restaurant Cafe Rouge is to close as part of a massive national shake-up of the brand.

Casual Dining Group, which also owns Bella Italia and Las Iguanas, has confirmed it will close 91 of its 250 restaurants across the UK. It will cut 1,909 jobs after calling in administrators.

The city branch, in Little Clarendon Street, has been closed since the lockdown was announced.

There is still a Bella Italia in George Street.

The city lost its branch of Las Iguanas, in Park End Street, three years ago.

The board said that entering administration was in the best interest of stakeholders during the “extreme operating environment” it is having to trade through.

Read more: Full list of closures here...

It is looking for a new owner, but said that the administration would allow it to end negotiations with landlords, a “critical step” before finding a buyer."

Chief executive James Spragg said: “After reviewing all our options with advisers, it became clear that we needed to take this action in order to protect the business and secure the best possible future for Casual Dining Group as we look to conclude a potential sale.

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“We are acutely aware of our duty to all employees and recognise that this is an incredibly difficult time for them. Working alongside the administrators we will do everything we can to support them through this process with a view to preserving as much employment as we are able to.”