After nearly a decade in business and multiple accolades, a well-known independent UK restaurant chain has closed all of its branches. Eat the Bird, a fried chicken burger brand founded in Taunton in 2017, has officially entered liquidation. The business ceased trading on July 22 after struggling with debt and financial pressure in the months leading up to the closure.
Known for its bold menu and street food credentials, Eat the Bird quickly built a reputation as a cult favourite in the South West. It expanded to sites in Exeter and Cardiff in 2022, and in 2023, it won Street Food Dish of the Year at the national Street Food Championships for its popular “Chicktator” burger. Despite the strong brand, the business was unable to keep up with rising costs. According to court filings, Eat the Bird was unable to pay its meat supplier, Fairfax Meadow Europe Ltd, before shutting down. Under a court order, company assets will now be used to repay the outstanding debt. The company was owned and run by Daniel Aldridge, who began his food career working from a fish and chip trailer.
Speaking to the Somerset County Gazette after the closure, he cited post-COVID challenges, rising prices, and mounting pressure on small hospitality businesses as contributing factors.
“I started out about 10-11 years ago, making chicken burgers and working in a fish and chip shop van,” he said. “Running a business at the moment is like swimming up a stream of treacle and everyone is throwing rocks at you.”
Aldridge said the decision to close was not taken lightly and reflected the reality of post-pandemic trading conditions, where independent restaurants continue to face staff shortages, inconsistent demand and increased operating costs.
“Businesses like Eat the Bird are closing because of how much managers of these independent businesses have to deal with – cash flow, employees, and how many customers come in every day,” he said.
The brand began life in 2017, operating from a site near Taunton Brewhouse. Known for playful dish names and locally sourced drinks, it attracted a loyal following.
Since the closure, several former employees have confirmed they have not yet received final wage payments. Aldridge acknowledged the issue and said steps are being taken to resolve it.
“Some staff haven’t been paid yet, but they will be,” he confirmed. “I am working closely with one of the directors, and we are working hard to get the situation sorted.”
As for the future, rumours have circulated online about a potential relaunch. While Aldridge didn’t confirm any specifics, he suggested that something new may be announced soon.
“I can’t say too much on a relaunch right now,” he said. “Most of what I’ve seen on social media isn’t true. We have something in the pipeline – not necessarily a relaunch – but it will be something to talk about in a couple of weeks.”
Reflecting on the wider economic picture, Aldridge added: “We were weighed down by the hidden nasties post-COVID. There are so many empty shops in Taunton. It takes people like me to get them sorted.”
Eat the Bird’s closure has prompted disappointment from fans and locals, many of whom believed the brand was thriving based on its busy venues and growing profile. However, Aldridge said appearances can be deceiving.
“People say, ‘Eat the Bird is really busy, they must be doing well.’ But the reality is that times are really tough at the moment.”