Jeremy King releases video statement addressing dispute between Corbin & King and Minor Hotels

Jeremy King, by his own admission, rarely spoke to press before the pandemic. More recently he has been ever vocal. Today, he released a video discussing the dispute between Corbin & King and Minor Hotels.

In the statement, King addresses several claims made by Minor. He begins by saying the company is trying to “seize control” of Corbin & King and again says the administration is a “technical one”. King also reiterates an earlier statement in which he says the company is fully solvent and “trading well”.

CODE has contacted Minor regarding a reply. Until then, we’ll simply embed the video here. What we will highlight is King’s assurances that the restaurants, owned by 14 separate companies, remain unaffected by the administration, and staff and suppliers are secure and being paid.

Full statement here

King also sent a slightly redacted version of his statement to customers. It reads:

“The last time I wrote to you and shared a video, was during the pandemic – when I asked for help and was overwhelmed by your support and the generosity you showed for the restaurants and more particularly our staff – it was very reassuring.

Now it is my turn to reassure you.

If you do have a couple of minutes, please watch the video above as I am able to explain quickly and in more detail the situation I now find myself in.

You may have seen reports of Corbin & King going into administration. That may have left you worried about reservations you have made, private events you were planning, about using the vouchers you so generously purchased.

Please don’t be concerned.

This administration is a technical one. It has been invoked by an investor, Minor International, in an attempt to seize control of the company. It applies to just one company – the holding company – in the Corbin & King estate. We have 14 other companies running our restaurants.

I can assure you that all the restaurants are fully solvent, trading well, and all our staff and suppliers are secure and fully paid

It is very much ‘business as usual’.

I plan to buy the holding company out of administration – paying back all monies – so that we can get back to doing what we do best.

I hope to see you soon.”

Statement from Minor International:

“We will not get drawn into a war of words. There is an administration process to follow that we respect. Minor International remains committed to preserving and protecting the long-term future of the company’s iconic brands and employees.”

Read more industry news here