Belfast pub group Botanic Inns in administration

Belfast pub company Botanic Inns, which employs 600 people across 14 venues, has collapsed into administration.

The group ran into problems last month over an outstanding debt of more than £60,000 owed to the landlords of its Belfast headquarters.

At the time, the company insisted that it was business as usual at its pubs, despite the winding up of one of its companies, reported the Belfast Telegraph.

Botanic Inns Limited operates five pub businesses and an off-licence, while Kurkova Limited was responsible for the remaining venues in the 14-strong group. But now administrators KPMG are seeking a buyer for both businesses.

A winding-up petition against Botanic Inns Ltd was lodged in April by John and Helen Miskelly, the landlord of the company's Ormeau Road headquarters over a debt of £60,615.

The company vacated the premises and relocated to an office above its Horatio Todd's site in east Belfast.

Botanic Inns today (Tuesday) took to social media site Twitter and emphasised that the company is continuing to trade: "Hi all so you've heard the news! All of our bars are open and it's business as usual. Please support your local pub and your local economy!"

A spokesperson for KPMG was unavailable for comment. When Caterer and Hotelkeeper contacted Botanic Inns the call went to voicemail.

Botanic Inns started out as a family-owned business in 1857 and grew into Northern Ireland's biggest chain under former owner Jas Mooney. Stephen Magorrian is managing director.

The 14 venues in and around Belfast are: The Apartment, Horatio Todds, Denvir's, The Globe, The King's Head, The Kitchen Bar, Madison's Hotel, McHughs, Molly Browns, The Northern Whig, The Parador, Ryan's, The Taphouse, Scratch Nightclub - as well as off licence chain Dr:nk.

Belfast operators back Twitter campaign as riots affect trade >>