The 46 Greater Manchester restaurants, bars and cafes that have closed their doors in 2023

In 2023 we welcomed a number of new restaurants and bars into the fold – from the dazzling Greek restaurant^[1] from the team behind Tattu and Gordon Ramsay’s ‘1930s Tokyo-inspired’ eatery Lucky Cat^[2], to hit American chicken joints like Popeyes^[3] and Northern Quarter bars inspired by Joy Division^[4]. It was certainly a bumper year.

That said, on the flip side of the coin we bid farewell to a number of much-loved restaurants, bars, cafes and bakeries – many bowing out after feeling the long-term impacts of the pandemic. As well as dealing with the aftershocks of Covid-19, businesses across Greater Manchester – and up and down the country – grappled with continued rail strikes, along with the cost of living crisis, as the price of ingredients continued to rise along with energy bills.

In May, The Hospitality Professionals Association ( HOSPA) reported that Britain suffered a net decline of 4,593 licensed premises in the last year to 2023, amounting to roughly 8.4 closures a day. And in August, figures released by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) showed that pubs in the UK closed at the rate of 30 a week in the first half of this year.

Here we look back at the Manchester drinking and dining spots which have sadly closed their doors in 2023.

January

Font, Manchester – January

The Font bar in Manchester city centre has announced its closure (Image: The Font/Facebook)

The first closure of 2023 came courtesy of legendary city centre bar, Font, which announced its closure after 22 years^[7]. The Font, on New Wakefield Street, was a hit with students for selling cocktails for as little as £3, but said that the rising cost of living, and the knock-on impact from the pandemic, had taken an ‘insurmountable toll’ on the business.

The news prompted a lot of upset online from customers, with one person writing: “Fond memories, I worked over the road and we would be in here every lunch time, even when I was a nipper we would be in here having our pre- drinks. I had my 18th birthday party downstairs. It’s been a blast!”

Ate Days a Week, Manchester – January

The Award-winning pie restaurant Ate Days a Week closed in Manchester, just eight months after launching^[8]. Customers rushed to send their messages of support to chef and owner Andy James after his emotional post on social media explaining why.

The venue, which started life in Stockport, was known for its music-themed menu and award-winning pies. Andy opened his first Manchester site on Cooper Street in May 2022, with both a takeaway downstairs and full seated restaurant upstairs, but said that food and drink costs were rising rapidly, utilities were “absolutely out of control” and the landscape of our economy was “so obscured it’s frightening”.

Reassuring customers though, he added: “It’s not all doom and gloom and there’s some good news, there have been no job losses as we have made roles for the full team at other venues within the group and we also have the refurbished Notion reopening next weekend and our working relationships with Stockport County, @blinkerbar @thisisbask, @lapwingdelididsbury and many other venues.”

Roti, Chorlton – January

Manchester’s first and only Scottish-Indian fusion restaurant, announced it would be closing its flagship site^[9] in Chorlton^[10] earlier at the start of 2023. Loved for its haggis pakoras, masala fish and roti chip butty, Roti became so popular that it opened a second spot on Sale’s Stanley Square too.

While its Sale outpost remains open, owners said that they would not renew the lease on the original, Barlow Moor Road, home of cheese and onion bhajis and Indian-spiced scotch eggs. Posting on social media at the time, the restaurant owners thanked customers for their support and suggested they could be back in the future.

One Central, Altrincham – January The popular outdoor street food and drink hub^[11] located in Altrincham^[12] town centre announced its closure in January, just a couple of years after it opened as a ‘lockdown alternative’ for the local community to come together and socialise.

Despite hosting a number of local food and drink stalls, organisers confirmed the popular venue would close down in March due to rising rent and electricity bills, which had a ‘huge impact’ on the business. On social media, they said the increases had “turned our small business upside down”, but that they had an “absolute blast”, and that the venture was never intended to last for too long.

No 1 Canal Street and The Bridge Pub, Manchester and Altrincham – January

The owners of the Canal Street restaurant once named ‘Manchester’s best’ and a pub in Sale announced the closures of both venues^[13] in January. Lisa Kettle and Danielle Condron ran The Bridge Pub and Dining in Sale from 2016, while No 1 Canal Street opened in 2017.

Posting online, owners said: “This has been a very hard decision during these difficult times. We’d like to express our heartfelt thanks to our amazing customers, and the team that has made everything possible.” A similar statement was posted on the Canal Street restaurant’s Facebook page, with customers sharing their sadness at the news.

Byron Burger, Manchester – January

In mid-January, owners of Byron Burgers confirmed it would be shutting nine restaurants across the UK after falling into administration, including its site at Piccadilly Gardens^[14], Manchester.

Byron’s Piccadilly restaurant opened in March 2015 in the former Kro Bar site – its second site in the city after opening one on Deansgate. It expanded to the Corn Exchange as well, but that branch closed in 2017, while the Deansgate spot closed in 2018.

Atkinson’s, Manchester – January

On the same day as the closure of flower store Flourish and gift shop Oklahoma in the Northern Quarter, Atkinsons Coffee announced it would be closing its cafe at Mackie Mayor^[15]. The Lancaster-based business had been part of the popular food and drink hall since it opened in 2017.

The coffee trader said it would continue trading in its home city, but that its customers and baristas had “done us proud” in what was the business’ first venture outside Lancaster in 180 years. In a post on Instagram a spokesperson for Atkinson’s said: “We’ve been lucky to be a part of the Manchester coffee community, hosting Aeropress Championship, Machines launches and latte art throw downs.”

February

The Libertine, Withington – February

The Libertine was opened last August by the team behind the likes of Cottonopolis and The Edinburgh Castle (Image: Manchester Evening News)

Though speculation arose online about the future of the Withington pub last Christmas^[16], it wasn’t until February this year that owners announced its temporary closure, citing rocketing energy costs^[17]. The former District Bank building had undergone a huge refurbishment in the summer of 2022, after being picked up by the team behind much-loved city centre locations Cottonopolis and the Edinburgh Castle.

However, in April its fate was revealed when the team behind cult Manchester burger concept, Almost Famous, confirmed they would be taking over the site^[18]. The burger pros wasted no time and in May the brand’s first suburban outpost opened its doors^[19], transformed with artwork including an inverted McDonald’s logo and various other nods to Americana from 7 Eleven to Felix The Cat.

Propaganda, Bury, February

Back in February, Propaganda in Bury^[20] announced it would be closing its doors after seven years^[21] in business. The cocktail bar on Silver Street promised one last “propa party” before shutting for good as they bid farewell to their loyal staff and customers.

Fans of the bar shared their sadness at the news but also thanked the venue for the good times. One person on Facebook wrote: “Sorry to hear this. It was always a great venue to DJ in. I wish all the staff all the best for the future.”

Cocktail Beer Ramen Bun, Manchester – February

The hit Northern Quarter^[22] restaurant announced its sudden closure earlier this year^[23], with bosses saying the business has been under ‘massive financial strain’ with ‘skyrocketing’ costs of goods and energy bills ‘more than doubling’.

Cocktail Beer Ramen + Bun (CBRB) on Oldham^[24] Street first opened in 2018, as a ‘late night ramen joint’ and was a popular spot with its position in the bustling Northern Quarter. In a special media post, which received hundreds of reactions, owners thanked customers for making ‘this tiny little kitchen and bar’ become something ‘way bigger than we imagined’ and urged the public to support smaller and independent businesses.

ARMR Store, Manchester – February

Popular Caribbean cafe and health food shop ARMR Store announced it was sadly closing its doors back in February, but its owner Raphale Evans hinted that it could be back again^[25] in the future in another form.

The cafe, in Ardwick, specialised in vegan Caribbean food, as well as vegan and vegetarian ingredients and health supplements. In a post online, Raphale said: “ARMR has helped and supported literally thousands of people, whether that be providing free food, giving away supplements or spending and employing locally. And, while I’ve not always been perfect, I’m pretty happy on the whole with the things we have managed to accomplish.”

March

Draft and Sale Foodhall, Sale – March

Sale Foodhall (Image: Manchester Evening News)

After nearly three years of trading, the popular Sale^[26] craft beer bar, Draft on Stanley Square, lowered its shutters for one final time^[27]. Owners said that they took the decision ‘with a heavy heart’, but cited rocketing costs of energy bills and other expenses related to the cost of living crisis.

It followed the closure of the nearby Sale Foodhall, which closed a week earlier^[28], after saying it had been experiencing ‘unprecedented’ rises in costs. “After facing unprecedented cost increases over the last 12 months, we are unable to keep the business moving forward sustainably,” it said in a post to social media.

The venue, part corner shop, part canteen, opened on Stanley Square in November 2021 and featured a variety of independent vendors and businesses. Launched by Store Group – now known as CG Group – it was part of the same group behind the General Store brand, which has several general stores and food halls across Greater Manchester including another site in Stretford^[29].

Croma, Didsbury – March

When this popular pizza spot confirmed its closure in March, regulars promptly launched a petition to save it^[30]. It followed the closure of Croma’s flagship site in Manchester City Centre^[31] in 2022 after 22 years in business.

A campaign to save it described Croma as somewhere that was like “walking into a big family home”, and that the staff had “become more than friends to the Didsbury community”.

But the bid to rescue the Didsbury^[32] site sadly failed, with fellow Italian chain Italiana Fifty Five, formerly known as Cibo, taking over the spot in late summer^[33].

Donkeystone Brewing Co., Oldham – March

The brewery and taproom announced it would cease trading^[34] in March blaming the ‘current climate’. Based in Wellington Industrial Park, it made a range of original ales which could be bought in cans or served up in their own taproom at the brewery.

They moved to the Wellington Industrial Park location in June of 2021 having originally been launched in 2017 by Stephen James, Carl Pugh, and Alexander Smalley.

Having got through Covid, a statement from the brewery said that the current climate for them and the hospitality industry as a whole had become ‘insurmountable’.

April

Fiddlers Green, Levenshulme – April

The pub in Levenshulme has been run by Bridie and James for the last 32 years (Image: Manchester Evening News)

A popular Irish pub that was at the heart of its community for 32 years^[35] closed its doors for a final time back in April. Earlier this year, Levenshulme favourite Fiddlers Green confirmed it would be shutting up shop some time after St Patrick’s Day, and the news was met with an outpouring of love from the pub’s loyal customers who branded it the “best pub” in Manchester.

Owners Bridie and James decided to sell the pub and retire in order to spend more time with their family. The couple first bought the pub, formerly known as Dicey Riley’s, in 1990 and, despite planning to only run the pub for five to ten years, stayed on for over three decades.

Doctor Feelgood and The Glass Spider, Stockport – April

Stockport town centre suffered a blow to its nightlife following the announcement that two bars on the Market Place were closing^[36]. Bar owner Joseph Patten confirmed that both Doctor Feelgood on the Market Place and The Glass Spider on Vernon Street would cease trading, citing rising costs and a challenging lack of demand.

Dr Feelgood, a popular music venue and bar, made waves when it opened in July 2021 with its brightly coloured burgers and commitment to establishing itself as the home of live music in Stockport. The Glass Spider, a Victorian craft beer and luxury spirits bar, opened in August 2020, and took over from Vinabod Tapas Bar – Stockport’s short-lived Viking-themed restaurant. In May, Dr Feelgood was replaced by Amp^[37], a new bar concept launched by Feelgood’s former manager.

Jack Spratt’s, Oldham – April

“This isn’t just a chip shop, it’s a community centre,” said Peter Singleton, the owner of Jack Spratt’s, a chip shop he poured his heart and soul into for 25 years^[38] before sadly closing up shop in April. The decision was made after his energy bills went from £8,000 a year to a crippling £27,000 a year almost overnight.

Peter opened the beloved chippy in 1998, naming the shop after his eldest son, Jack, and winning awards along the way, including Oldham’s Chippy of the Year in 2010. Speaking about the closure to the M.E.N. at the time he said he was “angry” and “devastated”. He added: “My two girls here have been crying. I’ve been crying. It’s my whole way of life. I’m angry, frustrated, but I can’t be. I can’t let it do that, it’ll make me ill. I have to try and be strong.”

Proof, Chorlton – April

The much-loved Chorlton cocktail bar^[39] closed its doors for the last time in April. The bar was a staple for cocktail fans in South Manchester, with owners Carly and Andy Hick running it for 15 years, from 2007.

Their Instagram account was filled with messages of support from its many regulars, with some hoping it was simply an April Fool’s joke. One said: “I’ve never been so welcomed at a bar and immediately felt like I had made the right choice that it was home. Thank you so much to all the staff.”

Neon Tiger, Manchester – April

Hit Thai BBQ restaurant Neon Tiger confirmed its closure in a post to social media, headlined ‘Thank you Manchester’ and declared ‘when it’s gone it’s gone’^[40].

“We’re sad to announce that Neon Tiger will be closing our doors for the final time on Sunday April 30,” they said. “We’d like to thank everyone who has come to see us, raised a glass with us and made this place so special [to] us.”

The restaurant opened in June 2022, and was run by brothers Dan and Ben Morris. Dan is also the managing director of Escape To Freight Island and a veteran of the Manchester hospitality scene. With a focus on Thai BBQ, the team behind the stoves created small plates and cocktails in the ‘baan yang’ style, Thai for ‘grill house’.

Levanter, Ramsbottom – April

The much-loved Spanish restaurant in Ramsbottom announced its closure after nine years in business in April. Owners Fiona and Joe Botham broke the news via a short message on the restaurant’s website thanking all their guests who had visited and supported the business over the years.

In the post, they said: “We’re so sorry to confirm that Levanter is now closed. We could list all the reasons why but ultimately the high street, & suburbs hospitality in particular, is being so squeezed we cannot breathe or see a single sunlit upland.”

It followed news in January that it had been forced to close its spin-off bar and dining room^[41] space on Smithy Street, citing the cost of living crisis. They had only planned to ‘hibernate’ that part of the business, leaving the main part of the restaurant open, until the summer.

Chocolate Cafe, Ramsbottom – April

The renowned Chocolate Cafe announced its closure after 15 years^[42] – a bitter blow for residents and visitors to the picture-postcard town, home to an annual chocolate festival. Owner Philip Hargreaves, announced the news in a heartfelt social media post, saying goods and energy costs had increased by more than 40 per cent and ‘in some cases doubled’.

The cafe on Bolton^[43] Street was a must for sweet-toothed visitors to the town and sold everything from bars of chocolate with edible prints, chocolate pizzas, boxes of truffles and flavoured chocolate buttons. It also sold ‘flat-pack’ Easter^[44] eggs, available in a range of flavours.

Alphabet Brewing Company, Manchester – April

The craft brewery shut down^[45] after almost ten years in operation, much to the disappointment of fans and visitors. The owners behind Alphabet Brewing Company, which was based on North Western Street in Ardwick^[46], announced their closure in a post on social media with users describing the news as “gutting”.

The brewery, which launched in 2014, was behind a number of hop and fruit-led session beers including the tropical IPA Juice Springsteen. Their onsite taproom was open to visitors whilst the brewery ran private tours every month.

The Eagle’s Nest, Bolton – April

When The Eagles Nest Café at Eagley sports complex in Bolton^[47] confirmed its sudden closure back in April^[48], its owners said the cost of living crisis coupled with ‘everything else spiralling out of my control’ meant the café could not continue. Posting on social media, owner Paul added: “I would like to thank all my great staff and lovely customers for all your support, following and friendship. Please keep in touch and I will still be supplying cakes if anyone needs any.”

The café was very popular with dogwalkers and locals, leading regulars to express their sadness in the comments. One said: Another said: “Sorry to hear this but totally understand with the cost of living rises etc. Such a lovely, warm, friendly atmosphere with amazing staff and food. You will be sadly missed by all.”

May

Second City, Manchester – May

Second City, on Cutting Room Square in Ancoats, began winding up proceedings in April^[49], documents from Companies House show. It brought to an end the seven-year history of the firm.

It led fans to lament its closure on social media. “It was a brilliant spot around 2017/18 for football,” posted one Reddit user on the Manchester community. “It was the Philly cheesesteak which I think I had about four times a week there” added another.

June

Bistro Marc, Stockport – June 2023

(Image: Manchester Evening News)

Bistro Marc, the French bistro which opened on the up-and-coming Underbanks^[50] in April 2022 closed in June this year, with owners Marc Molé and Rachel Winter Jones saying they were ‘heartbroken’.

The restaurant was situated in the historic Winter’s building, which the couple had extensively refurbished, including its iconic clock. Due to its Grade II listing – it dates back to 1890 – many of the building’s original features remain from its time as a jeweller’s shop. In October it was reopened by other owners as an Italian restaurant^[51] serving pizzas, small plates and wines.

Aunty Ji, Levenshulme – June

The owners of a café which had become known as one of the best places for a cup of chai in south Manchester closed, reporting that ‘rising costs’ meant it wasn’t ‘feasible’ to operate any more. Aunty Ji’s on Stockport Road, which served Indian dishes with a western twist, opened in 2020 and became a hit after being named in multiple best restaurants guides, and was also shortlisted for the Affordable Eats Venue at last year’s Manchester Food and Drink Festival.

The ‘pan-cultural space’ served Tarka Daal rice bowls, Chicken ‘Naanwiches’, and Samosa Chaat, alongside a spicy Full English breakfast, but owners said they tried multiple things to turn things around, however, they weren’t enough to keep the café open. The owner Zee had previously told the M.E.N the café was set up in homage to his grandparents^[52] who had moved to Levenshulme from Pakistan in the 1950s.

North Tea Power, Manchester – June

The owners of Northern Quarter institution North Tea Power served its final cuppa^[53] in June after more than a decade. When couple Wayne Lew and Jane Spindler decided to open their own shop in Manchester in 2010 it was one of the first of its kind, with the café paving the way for what would become a coffee house boom in the trendy district.

Victims of a “perfect storm” of financial factors, the couple decided they could not survive any longer after mulling on the decision since the pandemic. Having watched as the industry, and indeed the entire district, changed all around them, they felt they could no longer keep pace. Paul told the Manchester Evening News at the time: “People now expect something more corporate, people wait to be seated and expect table service, it never used to be like that.”

Hobsons, Reddish – August

In September, historic bakery Hobson’s announced it would be sold^[54], bringing to an end nearly 100 years of serving its community.

Speaking to the M.E.N in June, the owners confirmed they would be selling the building in its entirety. Martin Hobson said: “94 years of blood, sweat and tears. When you’re running a small business, you find out what sacrifice that takes, and no one can tell you until you’ve done it. So it’s that that we’ll be walking away from.”

July

Stock Market Grill, Manchester – July

Stock Market Grill, which took over from celebrity chef Tom Kerridge’s Bull and Bear in Manchester, closed in summer^[55] – just four months after opening its doors. The restaurant was situated inside Manchester United legend Gary Neville’s award-winning Stock Exchange Hotel in the city centre.

The restaurant was a first foray into the dining world from the brothers behind Manchester’s award-winning Schofield’s Bar, along with wine expert James Brandwood. They still run the hotel’s cocktail bar Sterling in the basement, and other bars around the city.

Automatic Café, Bury – July

In July, the much-loved Bury restaurant^[56] broke the news that it would close permanently. The restaurant, which is based inside live music and theatre venue The Met in Market Street^[57], was established in 2002 and was run by independent restaurant group Hollinworth & Price.

Fans of the food and drink spot flocked to the comments section of Facebook to express their sadness, many saying they were devastated to hear of its closure. One said: “So many good memories of fun times. One said: “You will be missed. X good luck to everyone.”

August

The Travelling Teapot, Salford – August

The Travelling Teapot owners Vicky Brunwin and Maria Williams (Image: The Travelling Teapot)

In August, the owners behind Salford’s travelling teapot café^[58] announced they will be ceasing trading after ‘trying endlessly’ to make the business work. The business, run by Maria Williams and Vicky Brunwin, had been located at Buille Hill Park since February, but spoke earlier in the year about struggling with footfall.

Speaking to the M.E.N in July, Maria said their attempts to find a new street spot for their café venture had proven to be unsuccessful. “We feel like we’ve been passed from pillar to post whenever we’ve asked for a new spot,” she explained. Following this, the pair said they were forced to shut down the business due to the DWP’s rules on Universal Credit and Self-employment.

Industry, Droylsden – August

In summer, the Tameside^[59] bar and pizza spot confirmed it had closed its doors for ‘the final time’ due to ongoing challenges facing the hospitality industry. Sharing the news on social media, the team behind Industry in Droylsden^[60] said they were announcing the news ‘with the heaviest of hearts’, and pointed to ‘crippling’ energy bills and ‘spiralling overheads’, as some of the main reasons behind its sudden closure.

The bar was opened in 2020 by friends Mike Quinn, Andrew Pierson and Paul Nixon in the former Lloyds TSB. Their Facebook post was met with hundreds of comments with one user writing: “One of my fav places to go ever! This is so sad, good luck to you all.”

Smith’s Bakers and Confectioners, Rochdale – August

Smith’s Bakers and Confectioners said goodbye to one of its two shops in Castleton^[61] in August, attributing it to the ‘devastating’ impact of a cycle lane. In a post online, directors criticised the length of time it was taking to construct the lane on Manchester Road, as well as a lack of parking and associated roadworks.

Residents said it was a ‘sad day’ for Castleton, with some claiming other shops have also closed recently due to the cycle lane’s construction.

September

Rosso, Manchester – September

Rosso in Manchester (Image: Manchester Evening News)

One of the biggest restaurants to close in 2023^[62] was Rosso, the popular celeb hotspot co-owned by Manchester United footballer Rio Ferdinand^[63]. Rosso, which is the Italian word for red, was opened in 2009 by the footballery, along with investors, inside the stunning former bank building at the top of Manchester’s King Street.

The restaurant was known as a playground of the rich and famous, with Manchester United Christmas parties held there and famous faces including One Direction’s Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson hailing it their favourite restaurant in Manchester. Not long after, popular Italian restaurant Cibo^[64], which has sites in Hale and Wilmslow confirmed it would be taking over the site and reopening it under their restaurant brand in early 2024.

Hatch, Manchester – September

The popular food and drinks hub in Manchester’s city centre shocked visitors with news of its sudden closure^[65] in September. Hatch, located on the Oxford Road Corridor, closed the majority of its site in September, with the site now set for redevelopment and planning applications already in the works from the Danieli Group and leisure chain STACK.

When the news of Hatch’s closure was announced, vendors shared their heartbreak and claimed they were only given a month’s notice to find new premises to operate from, whilst Bruntwood said permanent site staff would also be undergoing a period of consultation.

A day before it was due to close for good, Hatch confirmed its courtyard area would remain open^[66] from Monday, 2 October until the end of the year with six existing traders taking residency alongside its microbrewery. In a post shared on social media, it outlined the traders staying on and issued an update on where its other traders would be moving to.

Temperance Street Brewery and Tap Room, Manchester – September

The popular brewery and tap room^[67] on the outskirts of the city centre^[68] announced its closure in September – less than a year after it was taken over by new owners. Temperance Street Brewery, situated in a railway arch on North Western Street in Ardwick^[69], started life as part of the Beer Nouveau brewery founded by Steve Dunkley.

Last year, Steve announced Beer Nouveau^[70] was winding up and Temperance Street Brewery would be sold on. Katie Sutton took over the premises at the end of 2022 alongside Matt Gibson of Temperance Street Cider.

October

Rammy Social, Ramsbottom – October

Residents reacted with sadness and shock after the popular bar and restaurant would be closing. In a post shared to social media owners Nic and Jo Murphy-Lun said the Covid pandemic and ‘poor decisions by our government’ had made the restaurant’s three-year journey an ‘even harder one’.

“Health is wealth, and for that reason, and that reason alone, we are walking away with our heads held high and extremely proud of the successful little business in Rammy Social that we created,” they wrote. Ramsbottom residents flooded the comments to express their sadness over the news, but shared memories of the restaurant, saying ‘you did Rammy proud’^[71].

Project 53, Stockport – October

A popular taproom with sites in Stockport and Cheshire announced its closure after five years^[72] in October. Mobberley Brewhouse opened Project 53 on Stockport^[73] market place in August 2018.

The American-style taproom showcased the Cheshire brewery’s beers and a rotating range of guest ales across 11 keg lines and three cask hand pulls. It also served a range of cocktails, wines, spirits and pizzas including classics, specials and vegan and gluten-free options.

November

Golden Hind, Offerton – November

The Golden Hind in Offerton was set close at the end of November, prompting regulars to launch a campaign to save it (Image: Manchester Evening News)

Speculation arose online at the end of October that the Golden Hind, a pub described as ‘integral’ to the local community in Offerton, was due to be sold, with many regulars pleading for the news to be untrue. However, brewer and pub company Greene King confirmed to the Manchester Evening News that it would be closing for good^[74] at the end of November.

Not willing to go down without a fight, regulars rallied together, sending a petition signed by hundreds of locals to the brewer’s CEO, while others fixed a sign to the railing outside in a last-ditch effort to prevent the pub’s sale. Then, the venue was boarded up earlier than scheduled, and regulars spoke of their anger^[75] at losing the chance to throw a proper farewell party for a pub that had served the community for decades.

The Royal Oak, Oldham – November

This 200-year-old pub, which was described as being of ‘exceptional, national, historic importance’^[76] closed its doors in November after being unexpectedly sold. The Royal Oak, Union Street, which is Grade II-listed, including its interior, was famed for its polished mahogany curved bar, etched stained glass and Victorian tiles.

The Oak was a meeting place for more than 10 local groups including the ‘Folk at the Oak’ music club, the Royal British Legion, a railway enthusiasts’ group and a choir. After the pub’s owners, Inglenook Group said the premises should be vacated no later than the end of November, devastated locals formed a group with the intention of listing the pub as an asset of community value and pledged to uphold the heritage value of the building.

December

The Liars Club, Manchester – December

Inside the Liar’s Club on Bridge Street (Image: Manchester Evening News)

Just a couple of weeks before Christmas, legendary tiki bar, The Liars Club^[77] announced it would be hosting one final hurrah on New Year’s Eve before closing its doors for good. Over the last 12 years, the underground drinking den, which is part of the same group that runs late-night hangouts like Crazy Pedros and Cane & Grain, has become well known for its tropical-inspired cocktails, impressive rum collection and mainly reggae, afrobeat and hip hop soundtrack.

Sharing the difficult news on social media the team confirmed staff would be relocated to their sister venues and wrote: “She’s had one hell of an innings – hundreds of thousands of zombies, tonnes and tonnes of cinnamon and many a hangover inflicted. Come and join us for a zombie, or two, over the next couple of weeks and one hell of a NYE party at the end of it to send her off in style.”

Sud Pasta, Manchester, Altrincham, Sale – December

Just a couple of weeks ago, popular Manchester pasta restaurant Sud announced the closure of all of its sites^[78]. The Italian restaurant concept confirmed all four of its sites in Greater Manchester would close at the end of December.

The restaurant concept first opened in Altrincham in 2015 under the name Sugo before going on to open sites in Ancoats, Sale and Exhibition food hall on Peter Street in Manchester City Centre. Despite the closure news, the Sud team have said a new pasta kitchen concept is in planning and will open across all four sites next year.

Evuna, Altrincham – December

Only a couple of weeks ago, Evuna, a popular independent tapas spot^[79] announced it is to close one of its four sites. The Altrincham Evuna is scheduled to close at the end of December after what its owner says has been “the toughest trading period for years”.

Owner Jane Dowler said the “figures no longer stacked up”. She added: “I’m lucky that the other three restaurants are all really busy – but you have to be really busy now just to survive in hospitality. But in Altrincham we’ve seen sales drop a lot, year-on-year we were down 30 per cent and that just didn’t cover the overheads given utility bills alone have more than doubled.”

References

1. ^{^} dazzling Greek restaurant (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
2. ^{^} Gordon Ramsay’s ‘1930s Tokyo-inspired’ eatery Lucky Cat (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
3. ^{^} American chicken joints like Popeyes (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
4. ^{^} bars inspired by Joy Division (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
5. ^{^} Sud Pasta to relaunch all of its restaurants under new concept – a week after closure confirmed (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
6. ^{^} Team behind much-loved Ramsbottom restaurant Levanter reveal new tapas and wine concept (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
7. ^{^} announced its closure after 22 years (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
8. ^{^} just eight months after launching (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
9. ^{^} closing its flagship site (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
10. ^{^} Chorlton (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
11. ^{^} popular outdoor street food and drink hub (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
12. ^{^} Altrincham (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
13. ^{^} closures of both venues (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
14. ^{^} Piccadilly Gardens (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
15. ^{^} closing its cafe at Mackie Mayor (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
16. ^{^} Christmas (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
17. ^{^} owners announced its temporary closure, citing rocketing energy costs (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
18. ^{^} taking over the site (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
19. ^{^} brand’s first suburban outpost opened its doors (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
20. ^{^} Bury (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
21. ^{^} closing its doors after seven years (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
22. ^{^} Northern Quarter (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
23. ^{^} sudden closure earlier this year (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
24. ^{^} Oldham (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
25. ^{^} hinted that it could be back again (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
26. ^{^} Sale (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
27. ^{^} lowered its shutters for one final time (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
28. ^{^} closed a week earlier (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
29. ^{^} Stretford (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
30. ^{^} launched a petition to save it (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
31. ^{^} Manchester City Centre (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
32. ^{^} Didsbury (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
33. ^{^} taking over the spot in late summer (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
34. ^{^} announced it would cease trading (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
35. ^{^} heart of its community for 32 years (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
36. ^{^} two bars on the Market Place were closing (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
37. ^{^} was replaced by Amp (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
38. ^{^} a chip shop he poured his heart and soul into for 25 years (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
39. ^{^} Chorlton cocktail bar (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
40. ^{^} ‘when it’s gone it’s gone’ (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
41. ^{^} forced to close its spin-off bar and dining room (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
42. ^{^} announced its closure after 15 years (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
43. ^{^} Bolton (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
44. ^{^} Easter (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
45. ^{^} craft brewery shut down (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
46. ^{^} Ardwick (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
47. ^{^} Bolton (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
48. ^{^} sudden closure back in April (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
49. ^{^} began winding up proceedings in April (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
50. ^{^} which opened on the up-and-coming Underbanks (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
51. ^{^} reopened by other owners as an Italian restaurant (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
52. ^{^} previously told the M.E.N the café was set up in homage to his grandparents (h)
53. ^{^} served its final cuppa (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
54. ^{^} Hobson’s announced it would be sold (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
55. ^{^} closed in summer (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
56. ^{^} much-loved Bury restaurant (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
57. ^{^} Market Street (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
58. ^{^} Salford’s travelling teapot café (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
59. ^{^} Tameside (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
60. ^{^} Industry in Droylsden (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
61. ^{^} said goodbye to one of its two shops in Castleton (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
62. ^{^} biggest restaurants to close in 2023 (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
63. ^{^} Rio Ferdinand (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
64. ^{^} Italian restaurant Cibo (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
65. ^{^} shocked visitors with news of its sudden closure (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
66. ^{^} courtyard area would remain open (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
67. ^{^} popular brewery and tap room (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
68. ^{^} city centre (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
69. ^{^} Ardwick (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
70. ^{^} Steve announced Beer Nouveau (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
71. ^{^} ‘you did Rammy proud’ (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
72. ^{^} announced its closure after five years (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
73. ^{^} Stockport (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
74. ^{^} t would be closing for good (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
75. ^{^} spoke of their anger (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
76. ^{^} described as being of ‘exceptional, national, historic importance’ (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
77. ^{^} legendary tiki bar, The Liars Club (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
78. ^{^} Sud announced the closure of all of its sites (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
79. ^{^} popular independent tapas spot (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)