TOP chefs, food and drink critics and business leaders are among the hundreds who have spoken out following the news that a leading chain of gastropubs has collapsed.

Joycelyn Neve, founder of the Seafood Pub Company, announced the news that her business had gone into administration in a letter to staff.

The businesswoman, who built her portfolio out of a love for fine-quality seafood and relaxed service, was to thank for many of East Lancashire’s most-loved pub-restaurants, including the Assheton Arms in Downham, the Otter and Oyster in Blackburn and Forest in Fence.

Now a raft of industry professionals have spoken out about the news on social media saying that nobody is safe during the unprecedented period of uncertainty.

Gary Usher, also known as ‘Britain’s most controversial’ chef-owner, tweeted his condolences to Ms Neve stating that he too had found himself in a similar position.

He said: “We’re in the same boat with the coronavirus business interruption loan (CBIL).

“We’re done for if they don’t come through and we’ve been waiting to hear for six weeks. The bounce-back loans were pointless for us because they weren’t nearly enough.

“It’s so terrifying not knowing. We can’t reopen without them.”

In a statement, Ms Neve revealed her business was going under due to the fact she had failed to secure a CBIL.

She said: “It is with a very heavy heart that I am writing to tell you that we have not been able to secure the funding needed for the business to survive."

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce chief executive Miranda Barker urged the government to look at alternative ways to protect businesses.

She said: “So many of us here have such personal relationships with many of the restaurants run by the Seafood Pub Company and it really is a tragedy.

“The hospitality, tourism and leisure industry is being really badly hit and although the furlough scheme has been great at keeping people retained and able to have jobs and some income, it is now the bit where we are coming out of lockdown which is going to be even more concerning.

“Most pubs and restaurants will say they don’t hit profitability until they are 60 per cent occupied. With social distancing they can’t get more than 30 - 35 per cent.

“If there can’t be changes to social distancing, change the VAT rules. If that can’t be done look at taxation rules. Something has to be done to help them businesses be more profitable at a lower occupation rate so that they can come back, make some money and employ some people.”

Lancashire Telegraph beer columnist Mark Briggs said: “They had ten award-winning pubs across Lancashire and Yorkshire. What else is bubbling under the surface?”

Seafood firm Royal Greenland tweeted: “So sad to see a well-loved and innovative brand being another victim of these unprecedented times.”

READ > 'We fought as hard as possible, every step of the way and I am just so sorry' - Seafood Pub Company goes into administration

Food and drink writer Tony Naylor added: “Many assume somehow their favourite restaurants and pubs will, ultimately, muddle through. They won’t.

“Even those that have managed to establish a lifeline level of delivery trade are on a knife-edge.

“Support them if you can but Government needs to intervene.”