Harvester Meridan Park, a popular family-friendly restaurant in Leicester’s Braunstone area, is set to close its doors later this month. The branch, which sits inside Meridian Leisure Park near Hollywood Bowl, Vue Cinema, and 360 Play Leicester, has been a go-to spot for many families and groups for casual meals after a day out.
A Harvester spokesperson confirmed that the Meridian Park site will close “following service on April 24,” meaning the last day for customers will be the evening of that date. The statement shared with local media described the closure as a “sad move” and thanked both staff and loyal diners for their support over the years. The chain has not publicly detailed the exact commercial reasons behind the shutdown, but industry sources suggest it is part of a wider review of underperforming sites across the Harvester estate.
The restaurant has been part of the Meridian Leisure Park complex for many years, benefiting from steady footfall from cinema-goers, bowling parties, and families using the indoor play and arcade options nearby. Its location just off the A563 made it easily accessible for residents from Leicester and surrounding areas who wanted a relaxed meal without a long drive into the city centre. Regular customers have taken to social media to express disappointment, with many describing the ranch as a “family favourite” and sharing memories of birthdays and weekend outings.
For now, the exact long-term plans for the space have not been revealed. Harvester’s parent company, Mitchells & Butlers, has not indicated whether the Meridian Park site will be replaced by another restaurant or repurposed within the leisure park. Local traders and leisure operators in the area are watching for any announcements about new tenants or changes to the mix of food and drink outlets at Meridian Leisure Park.
The closure comes at a time when many casual dining chains in the UK are tightening their portfolios, shutting some locations while focusing on more profitable or high-traffic sites. Rising costs, changing eating-out habits, and competition from delivery apps and alternative dining options have put pressure on traditional family restaurants. For Leicester residents who relied on Harvester Meridian Park for a reliable, mid-range meal after a family day out, the shutdown will leave a noticeable gap in the local offer.
Harvester is expected to help affected staff explore opportunities at nearby branches, but some workers may still face disruption as they adjust to new roles or locations. For customers, the closure marks the end of a familiar dining routine, even as leisure activities at Meridian Park itself continue unaffected. Until April 24, customers still have a short window to visit for one last meal before the Harvester sign comes down for good.
