HMRC action targets owner of The Stafford as group says business continues
HM Revenue & Customs has lodged winding-up petitions against The Stafford Collection and its owner, BHL Global, legal steps that can lead to compulsory liquidation if unpaid debts are not settled. The action, first reported in City A.M., relates to the hospitality group behind The Stafford hotel in St James’s and the Fitzrovia restaurant Norma.
The Stafford, which launched last year and has become notable for hosting chef Michael Caines’ London outpost, won a Michelin star earlier this year. The branded group is also associated with Caines’ flagship, Lympstone Manor in Devon, which is described as an “associate member” of The Stafford Collection. Norma, opened in 2019 on Charlotte Street, serves Sicily-inspired cuisine as part of the group’s London portfolio.
The report comes after a change at senior management: the group’s managing director, John McLean, stepped down after one year in the role. The reasons for his departure were not detailed in the coverage of the petition.
Operational assurance
The Stafford provided a brief statement to Restaurant Online confirming it had been made aware of the petition and that the matter was being handled through appropriate channels. The hotel sought to reassure guests and staff that day-to-day operations had not been affected.
“The Stafford is aware of the petition referenced in recent media coverage. The matter is currently being addressed through the appropriate channels. In the meantime, it remains business as usual at The Stafford, with the hotel continuing to deliver the high standards of service for which it is known.”
That statement indicates the group is intent on maintaining service levels while resolving the dispute with HMRC. Winding-up petitions are a formal creditor remedy and do not in themselves equate to immediate closure, but they are significant legal steps that can lead to insolvency proceedings if resolved unfavourably for the company.
What is at stake
- Potential impact on operations at The Stafford and Norma if petitions progress to liquidation.
- Uncertainty for employees, suppliers and diners linked to the group’s London sites and associated properties such as Lympstone Manor.
- Reputational risk for a brand that has recently achieved notable culinary recognition.
Hospitality industry observers say HMRC petitions often reflect unresolved tax or liability disputes; some are settled or withdrawn before court-enforced insolvency occurs, while others can precipitate more serious restructuring or closure. The source coverage does not specify the amount claimed by HMRC or the nature of the tax liabilities.
| Entity | Location / Note |
|---|---|
| The Stafford | St James’s, London — houses Michael Caines’ London outpost; Michelin-starred |
| Norma | Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia — Sicily-inspired restaurant launched 2019 |
| Lympstone Manor | Devon — listed as an associate member of the group |
Local context for Stafford readers
Although the properties named are outside Stafford town in London and Devon, the use of the Stafford name and the prominence of the hotel make the news noteworthy for local readers interested in hospitality brands and regional links. Any change to the ownership or operation of The Stafford could have ripple effects for associated suppliers and staff across the group.
The next steps will depend on how the group and HMRC proceed. Companies issued with winding-up petitions can contest them in court, reach agreement with creditors, or enter insolvency procedures if they are unable to meet demands. The Stafford’s public comment suggests management is seeking to contain the impact and continue service delivery while legal and financial matters are addressed.
WE NEWS will continue to monitor the progress of the petitions and any official filings at the High Court or Companies House that may follow.
