Restaurant bosses have put up a “polite sign” after customers spent ages posing for mirror selfies in the lavish loos

17:41, 04 Sep 2025Updated 00:02, 05 Sep 2025

Stylish new restaurant The Cut and Craft opened in Manchester earlier this year – but it’s toilets are proving a bit too popular(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)

One of Manchester’s swankiest new restaurants has issued a new plea to customers using its toilets – amid a clamour to take photos in what have been billed “the best loos in the city”.

The Cut & Craft steak and champagne restaurant opened in the historic former Manchester and Salford Bank building on Mosley Street in April this year after a major £3.5million makeover.

Bosses unveiled a spectacular dining space in the former bank hall, while the bank vaults in the basement were transformed with lavish toilets.

The ladies loos include a huge mirror perfect for selfies, as well as a beautifying area with make-up stools and well-lit mirrors.

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At the glittering launch party, celebrities and influencers were seen queuing up for photos inside the bathrooms. And their popularity has continued ever since at the restaurant as diners clamour for their own mirror selfie moment in the luxurous setting.

The glamourous subterranean bathrooms at Cut & Craft – where there’s now a time limit(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)

But the loos have become such a popular hotspot, that bosses have now taken the measure of issuing a TIME LIMIT – to ask women to speed up in the toilets.

Signs have been put up outside the women’s toilets requesting a time limit of just five minutes inside.

The framed sign starts by saying “Polite Notice” before you head in the door to the bathrooms.

It goes on to state in block capitals: “We’re delighted you’re enjoying our beautifully designed spaces.

“To ensure all of our guests have timely access to our restrooms, we kindly ask that visits be limited to 5 minutes.”

The “Polite notice” requesting a five minute limit on using the ladies loos(Image: MEN)

It does not appear to be an issue at the men’s bathrooms though – where there is no sign or time limit currently.

Bosses have defended the sign, saying the time limit is necessary in helping the restaurant comply with safety rules.

Darioush Shahidi, Operations Director said: “We’re thrilled that our beautifully designed restrooms have captured so much attention online – and it’s wonderful to see guests enjoy and photographing the space.

“The little sign we’ve added is simply about making sure everyone can access the facilities when they need them, while also keeping in line with our fire safety and evacuation procedures.

“Given our lower ground floor layout – which includes a private dining room In the original vault for up to 45 guests plus staff – having an additional 10-15 people gathered in the restrooms at once could pose a risk in the event of an evacuation.

“The polite sign we’ve introduced simply ensure timely access for all guests whilst also aligning with our fire safety and evacuation procedures.

“We want everyone to enjoy the space, whilst prioritising guest comfort and safety for all.”

Influencer Bethany Georgia Smith (on the right) posted a photo from the loos at the launch party(Image: Instagram/ @Beth G Smith)

The restaurant, famous for its steaks and fine wines, has fast become a favourite on the Manchester dining scene since first opening in April.

It has taken shape inside the grand banking hall, which has 27-foot-high ceilings, intricate cornicing, and vast arched windows.

It is the third restaurant from the company, which has had big success with its first sites in Leeds and York with their “accessible luxury” brand.

The restaurant had joked only last week about the popularity of its toilets in Manchester, sharing a video of the bathroom on Instagram with the message: “AT THIS POINT, WE’RE THINKING OF ADDING THE BATHROOM TO THE MENU…

“But trust us, you’ll actually want to see the lunch menu – Two course for £22, three for £27 and yes, it tastes even better than your mirror selfies look.”

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