Restaurant chain Pizza Express is considering closing 15 per cent of its outlets, which could result in the loss of 1,100 jobs across the country.

The business was one of the first tenants to open at Gloucester Quays back in 2009 and also has sites in Cheltenham and Cirencester.

Set to launch a Company Voluntary Agreement deal shortly, Pizza Express is the latest high street icon to undertake a restructuring as a result of the coronavirus crisis.

Already with large debts of more than £1billion, the move could see up to 67 of its 449 restaurants in the UK close.

Andy Pellington, group chief finance officer, said: "While we have had to make some very difficult decisions, none of which has been taken lightly, we are confident in the actions being taken to reduce the level of debt, create a more focused business and improve the operational performance, all of which puts us in a much stronger position."