Leamington restaurant Magic Wingdom closes after rising costs

A popular restaurant is to close its doors on Saturday, with the co-owner saying rising costs, government policy and the cost of living are behind their decision to shut the doors. Magic Wingdom in Leamington Spa closes for the last time this Easter weekend. The chicken wing restaurant began with an idea in 2018, and with its distinctive branding, it quickly became a hit in the town. But it was during the covid pandemic that it really took off as a takeaway service, gaining a big following. Now, eight years on, they are to close for the final time on Easter Saturday. Leamington has historically had a higher than average number of independent businesses but Magic Wingdom co-owner Sam Cornwall-Jones says a lack of support has changed that. "I would say on the high street, it's half what it used to be. Yes, it used to be a Mecca for independents, and there are still a fair few. But there are big chains as well, and they do very well because they can afford the high rents." From April 2026, the minimum wage for over-21s will rise by 50p to £12.71, with workers aged 18-20 seeing an 85p rise to £10.85. National Insurance (NI) contributions from employers have also increased. From April l