Novelli's pubs in administration

The two pubs run by TV chef Jean Christophe Novelli have gone into administration, according to reports.

The News of the World reported that the two A Touch of Novelli pubs, run under the Sweet Medicine company, have ceased trading after financial difficulties.

Novelli's first pub, the White Horse in Harpenden, Hertfordshire opened three years ago. The second pub — the French Horn in Steppingly, Berkshire — opened just last year. Novelli had planned to open 10 sites across the home counties.

Novelli said Sweet Medicine had run into difficulties over a dispute with investors. He said he had sold his shares in September.

The news follow Anthony Worrall-Thompson's decision to close his pub — the Greyhound in Rotherfield Peppard, Oxfordshire — just last week.