Share Buy Back

Belgo Group PLC
28 November 2000


28 November 2000                               FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


                          Belgo Group Plc ('Belgo')

     Proposed off-market buy-back of 19.8% of its Ordinary Share Capital

Belgo today announces a proposed off-market buy-back of approximately 19.8% of
its ordinary share capital from Avado Brands Inc. The proposed repurchase is
expected to be earnings enhancing and is subject to the approval of Belgo
shareholders at an EGM convened for 21 December 2000.

MAIN POINTS OF THE REPURCHASE:

  * 203,233,460 Ordinary Shares representing 19.8 per cent of Belgo's issued
    share capital
  * Total consideration of £5.79 million
  * Repurchase price 2.85p per share, representing a discount of approx.
    12.3 per cent to the closing mid-market price on 27 November 2000
  * Expected to be earnings enhancing

Andy Bassadone, Chief Executive of Belgo Group Plc, commented:

'This repurchase, at an attractive price for our shareholders, will
immediately remove a major area of uncertainty on our share register at the
same time as enhancing earnings per share.'

Nick Fiddler, Finance Director of Belgo Group Plc, stated:

'Following the repurchase the Group's on going cash flows provide significant
headroom, particularly in respect of interest cover, and accordingly the
increased borrowings do not constrain the Group's ability to grow'.

DETAILS OF THE REPURCHASE:

Belgo has reached agreement, in principle, with Avado for the repurchase and
subsequent cancellation of its shareholding in Belgo, which currently amounts
to 203,233,460 Ordinary Shares, representing approximately 19.8 per cent. of
the Company's issued share capital. Under the terms of the proposed agreement,
the Company has agreed to pay a price of 2.85p per share, a discount of 12.3
per cent. to the closing middle market price of Belgo shares as at 27 November
2000 and which amounts to a total consideration of approximately £5.79
million.

The proposed repurchase is subject to the approval of Belgo shareholders at an
Extraordinary General Meeting convened for 21 December 2000. An explanatory
circular to shareholders together with a notice of Extraordinary General
Meeting is expected to be posted to Belgo shareholders today.

EFFECTS OF THE REPURCHASE:

The Directors believe that the proposed repurchase of 203,233,460 Ordinary
Shares by Belgo would:

 a. enhance earnings per share; and
 b. leave Belgo with a widely spread share register with no dominant
    shareholding and avoids the potential over-hang and/or uncertainty created
    by a major shareholding block.

The consideration for the repurchase of approximately £5.79 million would be
funded from increased bank facilities. The Board believes that the borrowings
incurred pursuant to the repurchase relative to the Group's ability to
generate cash will not constrain the future development of the Group.

CURRENT TRADING AND PROSPECTS:

Trading since 2 July 2000 is ahead of the same period last year although, as
stated in the Chairman's statement issued on 25 October 2000, trading
continues to be highly competitive. The Group has expanded with the recent
opening of a Strada in Upper Street, Islington and a Bierodrome in the Holborn
area of London. A further Strada is on schedule to open prior to Christmas
2000 in the Regent Street area of London and the sixth Strada is due to open
shortly after Christmas 2000 in the Covent Garden area of London. The
Directors believe that the Group, with its solid financial base and mix of
both established and new concepts, is well positioned for growth.


-ENDS-


For further information please contact:

Belgo Group plc            Tel: [phone]

Andy Bassadone, Chief Executive

Nick Fiddler, Finance Director

Citigate Dewe Rogerson     Tel: [phone]

Simon Rigby / Kylie Child