For fans of some of the biggest food brands on our high streets there will be only one stark option now to deal with their cravings - cold turkey.

If the British public needed any more red lights to come telling them how serious the on-going crisis is, then for some the closure of their favourite chain resturants and food outlets could be it.

Sandwich and pastry favourite Greggs is the latest to announce it too is closing to aid the UK's battle to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

That means its 2,050 outlets will shut from this evening (Tuesday, March 24), joining such iconic brands as KFC, Nandos, Costa Coffee, Subway, Pizza Express, Subway, McDonalds and Starbucks.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said restuaurants and cafes must close, but takeaways and fast food outlets can stay open.

Greggs has an estimated 25,000 employees. The business said that "with support from the government's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, we intend to maintain employment of colleagues at full contract hours for as long as is practicable".

McDonalds has an estimated 135,000 staff and 1,270 restaurants.

It is understod staff employed by the business will receive full pay for scheduled hours until April 5.

Nandos employs an estimated 19,000 staff, Costa Coffee 19,000 staff and Pizza Express 14,000.