Image caption Botanic Inns employs 600 people in 16 outlets

Northern Ireland's biggest pub chain has gone into administration.

Botanic Inns employs 600 people in 16 outlets.

The chain of pubs, restaurants and hotels will continue trading, while administrators KPMG seek a buyer for all or parts of the troubled business.

It appears the group has fallen victim to the economic downturn, compounded by high rent levels on properties set during the boom and a high level of company debt.

Botanic Inns grew into Northern Ireland's biggest chain on the strength of its original pub, The Bot on Belfast's Malone Road.

That such a landmark business is now in administration is a shock that will be felt across the industry, though hope remains it will be saved.

Colin Neill, chief executive of Pubs of Ulster, said it was disappointing news.

"Botanic Inns is an iconic brand for the city of Belfast and right across Northern Ireland," he said.

"It is no secret that factors have accumulated over the past year which have made it a very tough trading environment right across the industry.

"The revenue reserves normally built up by publicans during the Christmas season have suffered in the current trading environment and the negative impact of the recent flag protests compounding the problems faced by the trade."