Company registration number 10589672 (England and Wales)
LEMON PEPPER HOLDINGS LIMITED
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 29 DECEMBER 2024
LEMON PEPPER HOLDINGS LIMITED
COMPANY INFORMATION
Directors
C Sherriff
(Appointed 12 December 2024)
P Bamford
(Appointed 12 December 2024)
Secretary
P Bamford
Company number
10589672
Registered office
Third Floor
21 Cork Street
London
W1S 3LZ
United Kingdom
Auditor
HW Fisher Audit
Acre House
11-15 William Road
London
NW1 3ER
United Kingdom
LEMON PEPPER HOLDINGS LIMITED
CONTENTS
Page
Strategic report
1 - 3
Directors' report
4
Directors' responsibilities statement
5
Independent auditor's report
6 - 8
Statement of comprehensive income
9
Balance sheet
10
Statement of changes in equity
11
Notes to the financial statements
12 - 24
LEMON PEPPER HOLDINGS LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 29 DECEMBER 2024
- 1 -

The directors present their strategic report for Lemon Pepper Holdings Limited ("the Company") and its subsidiaries (together "the Group") for the period ended 29 December 2024. In preparing this strategic report, the directors have complied with s414C of the Companies Act 2006.

 

Introduction

Lemon Pepper Holdings Limited holds the master franchise for Wingstop in the United Kingdom. The Company's first store opened in Cambridge Circus on 31 October 2018. Based on this successful launch, the Company has continued to open further stores, with 57 stores open at period end (March 2024: 42).

 

Since period end, we have opened a further 15 sites.

 

The Directors believe that there are strong growth prospects in the premium fast casual chicken market and intend to continue the roll out of Wingstop in the United Kingdom and from 2025 also in the Republic of Ireland.

Fair Review of the Business and Key Performance Indicators

We have continued to invest in our Operations team who are the heartbeat of our business, while building out a Central Operations team to support our sites. Despite the macro headwinds of inflationary pressures on Utilities, Labour and Cost of Sales, the Company has been able to maintain and improve profitability across its estate. This was only possible because of the loyalty and dedication of our workforce.

 

Revenue for the 9 month period was £125.0m (12 months to March 2024: £84.7m), driven by an increase in store count (15) and strong underlying sales.

 

Operating profit in the period grew to £13.7m (12 months to March 2024: £4.1m), due to strong sales coupled with greater efficiencies over cost controls.

 

At the balance sheet date, the Company had gross assets of £54.7m (March 2024: £32.5m).

Principal risks and uncertainties

Currency risk

The Company had exposure to US Dollars during the period. The directors have not felt it necessary to maintain any hedge position, but this position is reviewed on an annual basis. Investor loans to fund the expansion are in GBP.

 

Credit risk

The Company's principal financial assets are bank balances and cash, as well as capital expenditure on stores.

 

The Company's credit risk is primarily attributable to its trade receivables. An allowance for impairment is made where there is an identified loss event which, based on previous experience, is evidence of a reduction in the recoverability of the cash flows. The Company has no significant concentration of credit risk, with exposure spread over a large number of counterparties, with nearly all customer transactions largely settled at the point of sale. Our main trade debtor is our delivery service provider, where we receive payment net of their commission fortnightly.

 

Interest rate risk

The Company borrows in Sterling, with both fixed and floating rates of interest.

 

Liquidity risk

In order to maintain liquidity to ensure that sufficient funds are available for ongoing operations and future developments, the Company uses long-term debt finance and equity to drive the growth of the Company.

 

Impairment risk

The directors' understanding of the risks associated with the assets held by the entity relates to the potential impairment of those assets. To identify any risk of impairment the directors review the financial performance of the restaurants on a regular basis.

 

Investment impairment risk

The directors understanding of the risks associated with the investments held by the entity relates to the potential impairment of those investments. To identify any risk of impairment the Company reviews the financial performance of its investments on a regular basis. No investments were impaired in 2024.

LEMON PEPPER HOLDINGS LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 29 DECEMBER 2024
- 2 -
Diversity, equality and inclusion

At Wingstop we are incredibly proud of our culture and people. We are committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion within our teams, including the employment of disabled persons, and preventing unlawful discrimination. We are focused on making sure that our restaurants are a safe and happy place for all of our people to be themselves and to feel accepted. We carry out all recruitment, promotion and other types of selection procedures, on the basis of merit, using non-discriminatory and as far as possible, objective criteria.

Promoting the success of the company

Section 414CZA(1) of the Companies Act 2006 requires the directors to explain how they considered the matters set out in section 172(1) (a) to (f) of the Companies Act 2006 (‘S172 (1)’) when performing their duty to promote the success of the Company. When making decisions, each director ensures that they act in the way that would most likely promote the Company’s success for the benefit of its members, and in doing so have regard (amongst other matters) to the following matters:

 

(a) The likely consequences of any decision in the long term

The directors understand the business and the evolving environment in which the Company operates, including the challenges of operating in the hospitality sector. There have been no major changes in the financial year. However, the long-term impacts of any decision are discussed in detail by the Board and directors, especially when considering the Company’s strategy.

(b) The interests of the Company’s employees

The directors recognise that the success of the business depends on attracting, retaining and motivating high quality employees. The directors consider the implications of decisions which may affect their perception as a responsible employer, on determining remuneration and benefits, and on providing a healthy and safe workplace environment, where relevant. The directors engage with their employees frequently. They conduct a biannual “GM Connect”, where members from each store come together for a workshop on best practice and can air their feelings about working for the group. Together with the operations team, The People Function of the business is accountable for what the business does for its employees. They conduct an Employee Survey annually. We aim to promote and maintain fairness and transparency across the whole business, with a now well-established culture of reward and recognition to attract and retain the best talent and we were proud to be recognised as one of the top workplaces for "Very Big" organizations in the 2025 edition of the Sunday Times Best Places to Work and was highly commended for its work with ethnic minorities.

 

(c) The need to foster the Company's business relationships with suppliers, customers and others

The directors seek to promote strong mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers, customers, regulators, and authorities. Such general principles are critical in the delivery of the Company’s strategy. The quality of our food is critical, and we maintain very close relationships with our key suppliers. In addition, the quality of our customer service is paramount; we utilised mystery shopper feedback as well as various internal KPIs to monitor this.

(d) The impact of the Company’s operations on the community and the environment

The Company is committed to understanding the interests of these stakeholder groups. The directors receive information on these topics on a periodic basis to provide relevant information for specific board decisions. The Company is committed to reducing the environmental impact of our operations. We work closely with suppliers to minimise product movement and reduce our food miles. All our cooking oil is collected and recycled and turned into Biofuel. All our waste is split into recycling, food waste and general. Nearly all our packaging is paper based packaging, including paper straws. Our packaging supplier has also committed to global carbon efficiency and Net Zero commitments in line with climate science.

 

(e) The desirability of the Company maintaining a reputation for high standards of business conduct

The directors recognise the importance of acting in ways which promote high standards of business conduct. The board periodically reviews and approves clear operating frameworks with suppliers and employees to ensure that its high standards are maintained both within the businesses and the business relationships the Company has with stakeholders. We have a detailed, but clear employee handbook which each employee receives when they join which clearly set out our core principles and ways of working.

f) The need to act fairly as between members of the Company

The directors aim to act fairly between the Company’s members when delivering the Company's strategy. Communication with shareholders is given a high priority. There is regular dialogue and information flow to all shareholders covering, operations, strategy, and financial performance. This includes monthly management accounts with detailed commentary, as well as discussion regarding the long-term strategic objectives of the business.

LEMON PEPPER HOLDINGS LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 29 DECEMBER 2024
- 3 -

On behalf of the board

P Bamford
Director
25 September 2025
LEMON PEPPER HOLDINGS LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 29 DECEMBER 2024
- 4 -

The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the period ended 29 December 2024.

 

Principal activities

The principal activity of the company continued to be that of operating restaurants.

Results and dividends

The results for the period are set out on page 9.

No ordinary dividends were paid. The directors do not recommend payment of a final dividend.

Directors

The directors who held office during the period and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:

T P Grogan
(Resigned 12 December 2024)
S H Lewin
(Resigned 12 December 2024)
H S Sahota
(Resigned 12 December 2024)
C Sherriff
(Appointed 12 December 2024)
P Bamford
(Appointed 12 December 2024)
Post reporting date events

On 30 January 2025, the share capital of Lemon Pepper Topco Limited was purchased by Rooster Bidco Limited. Please see note 24 for details of the new controlling party.

Energy and carbon report

The company has taken the exemption not to report on their greenhouse gas emissions, on the basis they are a subsidiary undertaking, and their results are incorporated within the group accounts of Lemon Pepper Topco Limited.

Strategic report

The company has chosen in accordance with Companies Act 2006, s. 414C(11) to set out in the company's strategic report information required by Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, Sch. 7 to be contained in the directors' report. It has done so in respect of arrangements made for the recruitment, continuing employment, training and career development of disabled persons, disclosure of the company’s policies on employee engagement, future developments, financial instrument risk management and details of engagement with suppliers and customers.

Statement of disclosure to auditor

So far as each person who was a director at the date of approving this report is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company’s auditor is unaware. Additionally, the directors individually have taken all the necessary steps that they ought to have taken as directors in order to make themselves aware of all relevant audit information and to establish that the company’s auditor is aware of that information.

On behalf of the board
P Bamford
Director
25 September 2025
LEMON PEPPER HOLDINGS LIMITED
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 29 DECEMBER 2024
- 5 -

The directors are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law, the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the profit or loss of the company for that period.

In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

LEMON PEPPER HOLDINGS LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE MEMBER OF LEMON PEPPER HOLDINGS LIMITED
- 6 -
Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Lemon Pepper Holdings Limited (the 'company') for the period ended 29 December 2024 which comprise the statement of comprehensive income, the balance sheet, the statement of changes in equity and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

 

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

 

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

 

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:

LEMON PEPPER HOLDINGS LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBER OF LEMON PEPPER HOLDINGS LIMITED
- 7 -
Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors' report.

 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of directors

As explained more fully in the directors' responsibilities statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below:

 

As part of our planning process:

 

The key procedures we undertook to detect irregularities including fraud during the course of the audit included:

 

LEMON PEPPER HOLDINGS LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE MEMBER OF LEMON PEPPER HOLDINGS LIMITED
- 8 -

Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. The primary responsibility for the prevention and detection of irregularities and fraud rests with the directors of the company.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the company's member in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company's member those matters we are required to state to the member in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's member, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Russell Nathan (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of HW Fisher Audit
Chartered Accountants
Statutory Auditor
Acre House
11-15 William Road
London
NW1 3ER
United Kingdom
25 September 2025
LEMON PEPPER HOLDINGS LIMITED
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 29 DECEMBER 2024
- 9 -
Period ended
Period ended
29 December
31 March
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
Turnover
3
125,026,523
84,658,766
Cost of sales
(53,698,496)
(38,937,804)
Gross profit
71,328,027
45,720,962
Administrative expenses
(57,712,102)
(41,716,413)
Other operating income
123,783
89,497
Operating profit
4
13,739,708
4,094,046
Interest payable and similar expenses
7
(547,656)
(526,247)
Profit before taxation
13,192,052
3,567,799
Tax on profit
8
(3,874,923)
-
0
Profit for the financial period
9,317,129
3,567,799

The profit and loss account has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.

LEMON PEPPER HOLDINGS LIMITED
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT
29 DECEMBER 2024
29 December 2024
- 10 -
29 December
31 March
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Intangible assets
9
1,200,496
787,556
Tangible assets
10
27,046,829
17,587,727
Investments
11
3
3
28,247,328
18,375,286
Current assets
Stocks
13
1,059,707
656,036
Debtors
14
8,101,919
6,266,111
Cash at bank and in hand
17,258,502
7,208,855
26,420,128
14,131,002
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
15
(36,799,674)
(15,655,036)
Net current liabilities
(10,379,546)
(1,524,034)
Total assets less current liabilities
17,867,782
16,851,252
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
16
(5,951,156)
(17,402,955)
Provisions for liabilities
Deferred tax liability
18
3,151,200
-
0
(3,151,200)
-
Net assets/(liabilities)
8,765,426
(551,703)
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
20
3
3
Profit and loss reserves
8,765,423
(551,706)
Total equity
8,765,426
(551,703)
The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 25 September 2025 and are signed on its behalf by:
P Bamford
Director
Company Registration No. 10589672
LEMON PEPPER HOLDINGS LIMITED
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 29 DECEMBER 2024
- 11 -
Share capital
Profit and loss reserves
Total
£
£
£
Balance at 27 March 2023
3
(4,119,505)
(4,119,502)
Period ended 31 March 2024:
Profit and total comprehensive income
-
3,567,799
3,567,799
Balance at 31 March 2024
3
(551,706)
(551,703)
Period ended 29 December 2024:
Profit and total comprehensive income
-
9,317,129
9,317,129
Balance at 29 December 2024
3
8,765,423
8,765,426
LEMON PEPPER HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 29 DECEMBER 2024
- 12 -
1
Accounting policies
Company information

Lemon Pepper Holdings Limited is a private company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Third Floor, 21 Cork Street, London, United Kingdom, W1S 3LZ.

1.1
Reporting period

The current reporting period is the 9 months from 1 April 2024 to 29 December 2024. The prior reporting period was the year from 27 March 2023 to 31 March 2024. Therefore the comparatives are not entirely comparable.

1.2
Accounting convention

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

This company is a qualifying entity for the purposes of FRS 102, being a member of a group where the parent of that group prepares publicly available consolidated financial statements, including this company, which are intended to give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the group. The company has therefore taken advantage of exemptions from the following disclosure requirements:

 

The company has taken advantage of the exemption under section 400 of the Companies Act 2006 not to prepare consolidated accounts. The financial statements present information about the company as an individual entity and not about its group.

 

Lemon Pepper Holdings Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lemon Pepper Topco Limited and the results of Lemon Pepper Holdings Limited are included in the consolidated financial statements of Lemon Pepper Topco Limited which are available from Companies House.

1.3
Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The directors have assessed the company’s ability to continue as a going concern and are satisfied that it has adequate resources to do so for the foreseeable future, being a period of at least twelve months form the date of approval of these financial statements.true

 

In making this assessment, the directors have considered the company’s profitability, strong cash flow position and sustained growth in recent periods. Additionally, there is access to revolving credit facilities through the parent company if required.

1.4
Turnover

Turnover represents amounts receivable for food and drink net of VAT.

Revenue from the sale of food and drink is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have passed to the buyer (at the point of sale), the amount of revenue can be measured reliably, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the entity and the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably.

LEMON PEPPER HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 29 DECEMBER 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 13 -
1.5
Intangible fixed assets other than goodwill

Intangible assets acquired separately from a business are recognised at cost and are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.

Amortisation is recognised so as to write off the cost of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Franchise cost
10 - 30 years straight line
Branding cost
10 years straight line
Software
10 years straight line
1.6
Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Leasehold land and buildings
Over the length of the lease
Plant and equipment
5 years straight line
Fixtures and fittings
5 years straight line
IT equipment
3 years straight line

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is credited or charged to profit or loss.

1.7
Fixed asset investments

Interests in subsidiaries are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. The investments are assessed for impairment at each reporting date and any impairment losses or reversals of impairment losses are recognised immediately in profit or loss.

A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the company. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.

1.8
Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting period end date, the company reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.9
Stocks

Stocks consists of ingredients and goods purchased for resale and are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price.

LEMON PEPPER HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 29 DECEMBER 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 14 -
1.10
Financial instruments

The company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

 

Financial instruments are recognised in the company's balance sheet when the company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

 

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Impairment of financial assets

Financial assets, other than those held at fair value through profit and loss, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting end date.

 

Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows have been affected. If an asset is impaired, the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of the estimated cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. The impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss.

 

If there is a decrease in the impairment loss arising from an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the impairment is reversed. The reversal is such that the current carrying amount does not exceed what the carrying amount would have been, had the impairment not previously been recognised. The impairment reversal is recognised in profit or loss.

Derecognition of financial assets

Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the company transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity, or if some significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained but control of the asset has transferred to another party that is able to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third party.

Classification of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the company after deducting all of its liabilities.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans, are initially recognised at transaction price. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

 

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the company’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

LEMON PEPPER HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 29 DECEMBER 2024
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 15 -
1.11
Taxation

The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.

Current tax

The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the profit and loss account because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The company’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting end date.

Deferred tax

Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all timing differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the timing difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.

 

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting end date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the profit and loss account, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when the company has a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to taxes levied by the same tax authority.

1.12
Employee benefits

The costs of short-term employee benefits are recognised as a liability and an expense, unless those costs are required to be recognised as part of the cost of stock or fixed assets.

1.13
Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

1.14
Leases

Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease except where another more systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leases asset are consumed.

Rental income from operating leases is recognised in the period the income is received.

1.15
Foreign exchange

Transactions in currencies other than pounds sterling are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At each reporting end date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the reporting end date. Gains and losses arising on translation in the period are included in profit or loss.

2
Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In the application of the company’s accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

LEMON PEPPER HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 29 DECEMBER 2024
2
Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
(Continued)
- 16 -

The directors do not consider there to be any material judgements or key estimates.

3
Turnover and other revenue
29 December
31 March
2024
2024
£
£
Turnover analysed by class of business
Food and drink sales - United Kingdom
125,026,523
84,658,766
4
Operating profit
29 December
31 March
2024
2024
Operating profit for the period is stated after charging/(crediting):
£
£
Exchange differences
19,982
(1,750)
Fees payable to the company's auditor for the audit of the company's financial statements
36,385
42,442
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
2,322,769
1,893,636
Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets
-
9,082
Amortisation of intangible assets
78,068
66,899
Loss on disposal of intangible assets
-
2,721
Operating lease charges
7,500,308
5,597,547

Fees paid to the company’s auditor and its associates for services other than the statutory audit of the company are not disclosed in Lemon Pepper Holdings Limited's accounts since the consolidated accounts of Lemon Pepper Holdings Limited's ultimate parent, Lemon Pepper Topco Limited, are required to disclose non-audit fees on a consolidated basis.

5
Employees

The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the company during the period was:

29 December
31 March
2024
2024
Number
Number
Head office
46
29
Managers
523
244
Kitchen
1,647
957
Total
2,216
1,230
LEMON PEPPER HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 29 DECEMBER 2024
5
Employees
(Continued)
- 17 -

Their aggregate remuneration comprised:

£
£
Wages and salaries
29,400,411
19,774,161
Social security costs
1,858,500
1,827,306
Pension costs
231,084
152,269
31,489,995
21,753,736
6
Directors' remuneration
29 December
31 March
2024
2024
£
£
Remuneration for qualifying services
512,864
543,125
Company pension contributions to defined contribution schemes
450
-
513,314
543,125

The number of directors for whom retirement benefits are accruing under defined contribution schemes amounted to 2 (March 2024: Nil).

Remuneration disclosed above include the following amounts paid to the highest paid director:
£
£
Remuneration for qualifying services
135,689
183,125

As at 29 December 2024, the amount owed by Directors to the company was £33,966 (March 2024: £Nil). The full balance was repaid on 31 January 2025.

7
Interest payable and similar expenses
29 December
31 March
2024
2024
£
£
Interest on bank loans
130,936
91,508
Interest payable to group undertakings
416,720
434,739
547,656
526,247
LEMON PEPPER HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 29 DECEMBER 2024
- 18 -
8
Taxation
2024
2024
£
£
Current tax
UK corporation tax on profits for the current period
723,723
-
0
Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of timing differences
3,151,200
-
0
Total tax charge
3,874,923
-
0

The actual charge for the period can be reconciled to the expected charge for the period based on the profit or loss and the standard rate of tax as follows:

2024
2024
£
£
Profit before taxation
13,192,052
3,567,799
Expected tax charge based on the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25.00% (2024: 25.00%)
3,298,013
891,950
Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit
196,363
8,710
Utilisation of trading losses from prior periods
(1,769,684)
-
0
Group relief
104,180
107,648
Fixed asset movements
(1,105,149)
(1,008,308)
Recognition of deferred tax movements
3,151,200
-
0
Taxation charge for the period
3,874,923
-
LEMON PEPPER HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 29 DECEMBER 2024
- 19 -
9
Intangible fixed assets
Franchise cost
Branding cost
Software
Total
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 April 2024
876,009
28,867
50,000
954,876
Additions
471,008
-
0
20,000
491,008
At 29 December 2024
1,347,017
28,867
70,000
1,445,884
Amortisation
At 1 April 2024
146,418
15,831
5,071
167,320
Amortisation charged for the period
71,279
2,289
4,500
78,068
At 29 December 2024
217,697
18,120
9,571
245,388
Carrying amount
At 29 December 2024
1,129,320
10,747
60,429
1,200,496
At 31 March 2024
729,591
13,036
44,929
787,556
10
Tangible fixed assets
Leasehold land and buildings
Plant and equipment
Fixtures and fittings
IT equipment
Total
£
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 April 2024
14,046,123
2,892,707
3,288,842
1,375,268
21,602,940
Additions
7,464,597
1,909,119
1,494,789
913,366
11,781,871
At 29 December 2024
21,510,720
4,801,826
4,783,631
2,288,634
33,384,811
Depreciation
At 1 April 2024
1,576,051
770,074
1,117,628
551,460
4,015,213
Depreciation charged in the period
835,207
553,632
553,960
379,970
2,322,769
At 29 December 2024
2,411,258
1,323,706
1,671,588
931,430
6,337,982
Carrying amount
At 29 December 2024
19,099,462
3,478,120
3,112,043
1,357,204
27,046,829
At 31 March 2024
12,470,072
2,122,633
2,171,214
823,808
17,587,727
LEMON PEPPER HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 29 DECEMBER 2024
- 20 -
11
Fixed asset investments
29 December
31 March
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
Investments in subsidiaries
12
3
3
Movements in fixed asset investments
Shares in group undertakings
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 April 2024 & 29 December 2024
3
Carrying amount
At 29 December 2024
3
At 31 March 2024
3
12
Subsidiaries

Details of the company's subsidiaries at 29 December 2024 are as follows:

Name of undertaking
Address
Nature of business
Class of
% Held
shares held
Direct
Lemon Pepper Cabot Limited
1
Dormant
Ordinary
100.00
Lemon Pepper Oracle Limited
1
Dormant
Ordinary
100.00
Lemon Pepper Bullring Limited
1
Dormant
Ordinary
100.00

Registered office addresses (all UK):

1
Third Floor, 21 Cork Street, London, United Kingdom, W1S 3LZ
13
Stocks
29 December
31 March
2024
2024
£
£
Food and drink
1,059,707
656,036
LEMON PEPPER HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 29 DECEMBER 2024
- 21 -
14
Debtors
29 December
31 March
2024
2024
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
3,362,264
2,171,853
Other debtors
1,263,698
1,078,505
Prepayments and accrued income
2,146,522
1,950,904
6,772,484
5,201,262
Amounts falling due after more than one year:
£
£
Other debtors
1,329,435
1,064,849
Total debtors
8,101,919
6,266,111
15
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
29 December
31 March
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
Bank loans
17
-
0
10,650
Other borrowings
17
392,157
-
0
Trade creditors
9,552,652
6,211,932
Amounts owed to group undertakings
10,777,010
-
0
Corporation tax
723,723
-
0
Other taxation and social security
6,457,883
4,527,101
Accruals and deferred income
8,896,249
4,905,353
36,799,674
15,655,036

Included within amounts due to group undertakings are intercompany loans of £10,777,011 (March 2024: £10,360,293). Interest is charged at 5% on these amounts.

16
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
29 December
31 March
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
Other borrowings
17
-
0
1,157,358
Amounts owed to group undertakings
5,951,156
16,245,597
5,951,156
17,402,955
LEMON PEPPER HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 29 DECEMBER 2024
- 22 -
17
Loans and overdrafts
29 December
31 March
2024
2024
£
£
Bank loans
-
0
10,650
Other loans
392,157
1,157,358
392,157
1,168,008
Payable within one year
392,157
10,650
Payable after one year
-
0
1,157,358

Please see further information at note 22.

18
Deferred taxation

The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the company and movements thereon:

29 December
31 March
2024
2024
Balances:
£
£
Accelerated capital allowances
3,151,200
-
2024
Movements in the period:
£
Liability at 1 April 2024
-
Charge to profit or loss
3,151,200
Liability at 29 December 2024
3,151,200
19
Retirement benefit schemes
29 December
31 March
2024
2024
Defined contribution schemes
£
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
231,084
152,269

The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund.

LEMON PEPPER HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 29 DECEMBER 2024
- 23 -
20
Share capital
29 December
31 March
29 December
31 March
2024
2024
2024
2024
Ordinary share capital
Number
Number
£
£
Issued and fully paid
Ordinary shares of £1 each
3
3
3
3
21
Operating lease commitments
Lessee

At the reporting end date the company had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

29 December
31 March
2024
2024
£
£
Within one year
4,414,117
3,392,970
Between two and five years
18,948,927
13,091,120
In over five years
40,477,460
29,324,145
63,840,504
45,808,235
Lessor

At the reporting end date the company had contracted with tenants for the following minimum lease payments:

£
£
Within one year
47,500
-
0
Between two and five years
127,014
-
0
174,514
-
0
22
Financial commitments, guarantees and contingent liabilities

A shareholder, acting as security agent, has secured fixed and floating charges over the undertakings of the company to secure bond instruments of £10,777,011 (March 2024: £10,360,291). This was satisfied after the end of the period.

LEMON PEPPER HOLDINGS LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 29 DECEMBER 2024
- 24 -
23
Related party transactions

Previously, the Group entered into a 20 year franchising agreement with a shareholder.

 

During the period, the company paid £7,988,846 (March 2024: £5,318,247) to a shareholder in respect to franchise fees. At 31 December 2024, £1,429,722 (March 2024: £957,495) of the balance was still payable.

 

Included within borrowings is a shareholder loan amounting of £392,157 (March 2024: £392,157) which has been lent to the group at a 0% interest rate.

24
Events after the reporting date

On 30 January 2025, the share capital of Lemon Pepper Topco Limited was purchased by Rooster Bidco Limited. Please see note 24 for details of the new controlling party.

25
Ultimate controlling party

The immediate parent company is Lemon Pepper Midco Limited, a company incorporated in England and Wales with registered office at Third Floor, 21 Cork Street, London, United Kingdom, W1S 3LZ.

 

The ultimate parent company was Lemon Pepper Topco Limited, a company incorporated in England and Wales. The company's financials are included in the consolidated accounts of Lemon Pepper Topco Limited, whose registered office is Third Floor, 21 Cork Street, London, United Kingdom, W1S 3LZ.

 

Following the period end, the new ultimate parent company is TAO Finance 3, LLC, a company incorporated in Delaware, USA, whose registered office is Suite 302, 4001 Kennet Pike, County of New Castle, Wilmington, Delaware 19807, USA.

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