The Wishing Well in Didsbury(Image: Supplied)The contents of a former pub in Didsbury are being auctioned off after the venue’s unexpected closure.
Formerly the site of Botanist just by Didsbury Village tram stop, the pub was renamed The Wishing Well when it reopened in May 2023. The pub served up classics including Sunday roasts, as well as having live music.
But things took a turn when the pub suddenly closed its doors around February 2024, despite often being bustling with drinkers and diners and enthusiastic reviews.
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Rumours went around at the time about refurbishment, but the Wishing Well never reopened its doors.
Now the contents of the pub have been put up for auction by NCM Auctions “due to closure”. A brochure to take on the lease at The Wishing Well was also listed online.
Some of the contents was listed on the auctioneer’s website as including “hoshizaki ice machines, Pitco fryers, Falcon grills, Turbofan ovens, QSC amplifiers, Hoelling & Spangenberg piano, rustic furniture and more”.
As of May 26 2025 the pub is listed on the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) website as being “closed long term” as of February 16 2024, with its “future uncertain”.
The pub had reopened in a burst of optimism after taking over from The Botanist, with co-owner Youssef Loutfi telling the Manchester Evening News at the time: “We can’t wait to be part of the community in Didsbury Village, it’s such a vibrant place and the locals we’ve been chatting with whilst we’ve been building the pub have been so friendly.
“We’ve put a lot of effort into making sure we’ve got something for everyone and we just can’t wait to open the doors now.”
It is not clear precisely why The Wishing Well closed down so suddenly, despite seeming to be doing well.
However, with the sale of the pub’s contents the future of the building remains clouded in uncertainty.