11 Facts About Leon Restaurants

Leon Restaurants had around 70 outlets when it was bought by EG Group in 2021.

Leon Restaurants was founded by John Vincent and Henry Dimbleby with chef Allegra McEvedy.

Six months after opening, Leon Restaurants was named the "Best New Restaurant in Great Britain" at The Observer Food Monthly Awards.

In 2008, Leon Restaurants became a founding member of the Sustainable Restaurant Association.

In March 2009, McEvedy gave up her role at Leon Restaurants to focus on writing and television work, but remains a shareholder.

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Leon Restaurants hoped to reach an international clientele through these outlets, and help create demand ahead of further overseas openings.

Leon Restaurants was backed by Active Private Equity and, in May 2017, Spice Private Equity became a major investor to support further global expansion plans.

At that time, Leon Restaurants had 71 outlets, of which 42 were operated by the company; the other 29 were franchises at transport hubs, in the UK and five other European countries.

Leon Restaurants has published several cookbooks, and developed a cookware and tableware line with retailer John Lewis.

Leon Restaurants pays the over 25s rate of the minimum wage to all hourly paid employees, including those aged below 25.

One of the founders of Leon Restaurants is Henry Dimbleby, a strong supporter of Vote Leave in the 2016 Brexit referendum, who spent the results evening with Michael Gove.