Lenders to Orchid, the privately owned pub and restaurant group that includes the Bar Room Bar and Sri Thai chains, have sent a restructuring team from PricewaterhouseCoopers into the company, with the management’s blessing.

The Times has learnt that HBOS, which financed the £571 million buyout of Orchid two years ago by GI Partners, the private equity firm, has drafted in the accountancy firm to advise on a financial restructuring. PwC was also asked to stand by to step in as administrator should this become necessary, although this is not the case at present.

HBOS and PwC declined to comment, but sources close to the process confirmed the terms of the accountancy firm’s appointment.