Three popular restaurants in Milton Keynes on the verge of collapse with dozens of jobs at risk

The move will give the company 10 days' breathing space in order to consider "all options" for restructuring.

The group's 250 restaurants have remained closed for the past two months, even though they are permitted to operate a takeaway service.

A Casual Dining Group spokesperson said: "As is widely acknowledged, this is an unprecedented situation for our industry and, like many other companies across the UK, the directors of Casual Dining Group are working closely with our advisers as we consider our next steps.

"These notifications are a prudent measure in light of the company's position and the wider situation."

Restaurants as a whole have been hit hard after shutting their doors as part of the UK’s lockdown in March.

Bella Italia has two sites - one at Stadium Mk and the other at the Theatre District in Central Milton Keynes.

Cafe Rouge is at the centre:MK and Las Iguanas is nearby at The Hub.

Casual Dining Group is now working with advisers from corporate finance firm, AlixPartners, over a potential restructuring programme.

The group's 250 restaurants have remained closed for the past two months, even though they are permitted to operate a takeaway service.

.Other restaurant chains including Carluccio's and Byron have hired insolvency advisers in order to prepare for permanent closures, or to go out of business.

However, Sky News has recently reported that Boparan Restaurants, which owns restaurant chain Giraffe, is said to be about to close a deal to buy Italian chain Carluccio's.

This would save 900 jobs and around 30 out of its 70 restaurants.

The government’s plans to reopen cafes, pubs and restaurants have been outlined for July, provided that infections and the reproduction rate of coronavirus, known as the R value, remain low. However, this currently applies to England only.