Global pizza chain Papa John's has revealed that it plans to shut down 43 restaurants across the UK in the coming months, with 16 in London to close.

It comes as the takeaway business confirmed plans to axe the “underperforming” locations after launching a review at the start of 2024.

The affected London restaurants will close by mid-May following a consultation process, Papa John's International said.

The company has not confirmed how many staff will be impacted by closures.

The group had previously said it planned “strategic closures” to free up money for investment and improve profitability at its remaining UK sites.

Sharing that they have since identified 43 restaurants, including 16 in London, that are "underperforming locations that are no longer financially viable”.

@uktoday_ Papa John’s is closing 43 restaurants in the UK - is your local on the list? #uknews #papajohns #papajohnspizza #uknewsheadlines ♬ original sound - UKToday 🇬🇧 Newsquest

Managing director at Papa John's UK, Chris Phylactou, said: “Our priority is our team members, who will be fully supported throughout this process.

“Our goal is to work with impacted team members and attempt to find redeployment opportunities where available.

“We understand the impact this will have on our team members and are committed to supporting them during this time.”

Full list of London Papa John's restaurants shutting down

The London Papa John's restaurants that are set to close by mid-May are:

  • Bromley, Greater London
  • Coulsdon, Greater London
  • Cricklewood, Greater London
  • East Dulwich, Greater London
  • Harringay, Greater London
  • Hendon, Greater London
  • Mottingham, Greater London
  • Northwood Hills, Greater London
  • Peckham, Greater London
  • Penge, Greater London
  • Putney, Greater London
  • Ruislip, Greater London
  • Stoke Newington, Greater London
  • Upminster, Greater London
  • Whitton, Greater London
  • Wimbledon, Greater London

Papa John's said it plans to increase investment in research and technology, such as better utilising customer data, as part of its UK strategy.

It also said it will look at the development of new types of sites beyond traditional restaurants, such as expanding into holiday parks, and is set to “announce other large retail partners in the coming months”.