The Enfield branch of an American restaurant chain has shut suddenly - despite a rescue deal to save the ailing company.

The deal has saved 51 of TGI Fridays restaurants across the country, but the remaining 35 have been closed with immediate effect.

According to a list revealed by The Sun, this includes the Enfield outlet in Southbury Road.

Elsewhere in north London, the Wembley Park branch was spared the axe after a rescue deal was agreed with private equity firm Breal Capital and Calveton UK.

In total, more than 1,000 staff at the US-themed restaurant and cocktail bar have been made redundant, with 2,400 jobs saved.

Julie McEwan, chief executive of TGI Fridays UK, said: “The news today marks the start of a positive future for our business following a very challenging period for the casual dining sector as a whole.

“We are devastated for our colleagues who will be leaving TGIs and thank them for their loyalty and contribution during their time with us.

“We are doing everything possible to retain our team and support those impacted.”

Daniel Smith, senior managing director of administrators Teneo, said the acquisition “preserves a significant proportion of jobs and will hopefully provide the business with the stability and support it needs to recover and grow”.

TGI Fridays’ previous UK operator, Hostmore, appointed administrators last month and had been hoping to secure a buyer for the chain.

Trade union Unite said on X that it had been hearing from members who had been “furiously contacting” the hospitality organisers in response to the immediate closures.

It reported that staff had been shut out of restaurants, with padlocks on the doors changed, or given no form of redundancy consultation, while others were invited to a video call with members of the head office with one hour’s notice.

Other workers said they had not been told whether or not they will be paid, according to the union.

New private equity owners Breal and Calveton jointly own upmarket restaurant chain D&D London, and between them have had investments in Byron Burger and wine bar chain Vinoteca.

Some reporting by PA.