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Almost Famous announced the closures of all of its sites at the end of January(Image: Gary Oakley\/Manchester Evening News)<\/p>\nMore than 50 venues have closed down in the last twelve months with many having been around for quite a while<\/p>\n
18:26, 27 Dec 2025Updated 21:24, 27 Dec 2025<\/p>\n
Almost Famous announced the closures of all of its sites at the end of January(Image: Gary Oakley\/Manchester Evening News)<\/p>\n
At this time of year it’s become tradition to look back over the past 12 months – reflecting on the big moments for Greater Manchester’s hospitality scene. There’s been lots to celebrate, including Michelin Stars, nominations and gongs from major food awards, and a whole host of new openings across the region.<\/p>\n
In February, restaurant newcomer Skof was warded a Michelin Star – less than a year after opening in Manchester city centre<\/a>. Presided over by former L’Enclume chef Tom Barnes, Skof took the honour at the big Michelin Guide ceremony, becoming the second Manchester restaurant to hold a Michelin Star, alongside Mana in Ancoats.<\/p>\n There’s also been some major openings as the likes of Royal Nawaab opened their huge dining venue<\/a> with the iconic Stockport<\/a> Pyramid, and Chotto Matte<\/a> and Circolo Popolare opened up within Gary Neville’s St Michael’s development<\/a>. Favourites like Flat Baker have expanded into bigger premises<\/a> as demand grew for its brilliant Brazilian sweet treats, and huge queues formed in the Northern Quarter as viral brand Get Baked finally brought their huge chocolate cake slices to Manchester<\/a>.<\/p>\n On the boozier side of things, the True Reds site reopened as a Irish bar<\/a>, and Head of Steam opened in the Northern Quarter<\/a>, bringing their proper craft beer to the city centre. And restaurants across Greater Manchester we’re visited by celebs, food critics and top chefs, all raving about the quality and vibrancy of the food and drink scene<\/a>.<\/p>\n It’s been a year to remember, but it’s also been one of great loss to the hospitality scene, with more than 50 venues closing their doors for a final time much to the disappointment and heartbreak of owners, staff and loyal customers. Nationally, the picture is just as grim with an estimated 11 licensed venues shutting weekly.<\/p>\n Costs continue to rise – from ingredients and utilities, to staff wages and rental costs. New analysis from UKHospitality reveals that small hospitality venues will see business rates rise by \u00a3318m over three years following the latest update in the Autumn Budget – as the smallest hospitality businesses get hit hardest.<\/p>\n Below, we take a look at the Greater Manchester businesses that have closed this year. Many have cited the current economic challenges and changing customer behaviour as some of the reasons they’ve had to call it a day.<\/p>\n January<\/strong><\/p>\n Off the Wheaten Track – Altrincham<\/strong><\/p>\n One of the first closures of 2025 came from husband-and-wife team Hayley and David Hadfield, who announced the closure of their award-winning deli at the start of the year. Off the Wheaten Track<\/a>, on Oxford Road in Altrincham<\/a>, made the shock announcement on its Instagram account saying its “journey has come to an end.”<\/p>\n The business was forced to close due to the uncertainty over increasing costs, despite the “blood, sweat, tears, angst, stress and many sacrifices” put into their business. Hayley said at the time: “To be honest the recent government budget, business rate changes and rental increase has created cause for concern, making us seriously consider our future as business owners.”<\/p>\n Crowded House – Bury<\/strong><\/p>\n Another husband-and-wife duo were forced to closes their much-loved dining spot and salon in January this year. Johanne and Dave Banks said that the ‘odds were so stacked against us’ <\/a>in an emotional post on social media, prompting a huge response from customers.<\/p>\n Explaining the reasons for closure, the pair told customers that every cost seemed to be going up. They also broke down the staggering increase in their bills, including a doubling of their utilities and 327% increase in their insurance bills.<\/p>\n The Botanist – MediaCity, Salford Quays<\/strong><\/p>\n New World Trading Company announced the closure of The Botanist<\/a>, Media City at Salford<\/a> Quays in January too. The company issued a statement claiming that the closure was the result of a landlord decision to seek new tenants as part of the Company Voluntary Agreement (CVA) process. Earlier in the month, the group also closed three other sites<\/a> amid an ongoing company restructure.<\/p>\n Damhouse – Astley – Wigan<\/strong><\/p>\n The closure of this much-loved vintage tea room was met with widespread sadness across the local community. A notice on the venue’s Facebook page at the time explained how the businesses was ‘no longer sustainable’ in its current form.<\/p>\n “The current economic situation and downturn in trade over recent months has resulted in mounting losses. Despite the efforts of the trustees and the staff, they have reached the point where the Tea Room business in its current operating model is no longer sustainable,” said the owners in January.<\/p>\n Osma – Prestwich<\/strong><\/p>\n It was one of Greater Manchester’s most lauded restaurants, but in January the Scandinavian-influenced, Michelin-rated dining spit OSMA shocked residents by announcing its closure<\/a> after five years. A collaboration between Sofie Stoermann-Nass and chef Danielle Heron, the name was chosen as a homage to their hometowns of Oslo and Manchester.<\/p>\n The move was said to be because the restaurant had ‘struggled to find experienced staff’ to work in Prestwich<\/a>. However, owners did say they would be moving to an un-named Manchester city centre<\/a> location at the time.<\/p>\n Dockyard – Didsbury<\/strong><\/p>\n This Greater Manchester boozer bid farewell to its customers<\/a> after four years earlier this year. The Dockyard Didsbury<\/a> served its last pint on January 19, but confirmed that it’s two other sites at MediaCity in Salford<\/a> Quays and Barons Quay in Northwich would remain open.<\/p>\n Despite being a key part of the much-loved Didsbury Dozen pub crawl, it was quickly replaced by another bar concept. It later reopened as The Salmon of Knowledge, an Irish bar that’s proven successful since landing in Manchester’s Northern Quarter<\/a> last year.<\/p>\n Little Bao Boy – Manchester City Centre<\/strong><\/p>\n The makers of some of the city’s best bao buns confirmed its street food concept would be leaving the city<\/a> centre back in January. They started serving their freshly made bao and street food dishes in January 2023 inside the North Bar Taproom located within the Circle Square neighbourhood on Oxford Road<\/a>.<\/p>\n Updating followers they wrote: “It was a tough decision as we\u2019ve had a blast there the last couple of years but sometimes you need to take one step back to take two more forward.<\/p>\n Almost Famous – Manchester City Centre<\/strong><\/p>\n One the biggest closures of the year came from burgers stars, Almost Famous, who announced the closures of all of its sites at the end of January. Explaining the reason for the closure of the brand in Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool, owner Beau Myers cited the current economic climate and ‘lingering debt’.<\/p>\n The restaurant chain was launched in Manchester’s Northern Quarter in 2012 and led the way in pioneering the ‘dirty burger’ trend in the city and beyond. The Withington site was closed the year before.<\/p>\n In an unexpected turn, just a few weeks later, However, the Northern Quarter<\/a> site and Liverpool outpost were reopened under new owners D2<\/a>, the team behind Liverpool\u2019s popular PINS Social Club, in February – who will also opening a new Manchester site next year.<\/p>\n Seven Brothers – Middlewood Locks, Salford<\/strong><\/p>\n The craft brewery, which was started in 2014 by seven brothers, closed down its Middlewood Locks beerhouse<\/a>, on Lockside Lane in Salford, with immediate effect at the end of January. Co-founder Keith McAvoy said: “We faced closure three months after opening due to the pandemic and the financial implications of this are still an issue. Then it was followed up with extortionately high utility bills due to the Ukraine conflict.”<\/p>\n \u201cIt has just never become the destination we were led to believe it would become when we first agreed to operate there,\u201d Keith added. \u201cWe\u2019re so disappointed we couldn\u2019t keep things going but we were backed into a corner, leaving us with no choice but to sadly close.\u201d<\/p>\n Lazy Sundae – Northern Quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n Owners of the bubble tea and dessert shop said it was with a ‘heavy heart’ that they were closing their original site but said it was for ‘reasons beyond our control’ after facing ‘landlord difficulties’. The home-grown ice cream parlour was created by husband-and-wife duo, Kowk and Jacqueline Dang, who have a background in setting up successful Manchester businesses.<\/p>\n They opened the first Lazy Sundae branch in 2021 and two years later opened a concession inside the Arndale shopping centre<\/a>. Sharing the news with customers on Instagram at the time, they said they were ‘forever grateful’ to those who had visited the Northern Quarter branch, and that its Arndale site would remain open.<\/p>\n George’s – Worsley<\/strong><\/p>\n The neighbourhood restaurant co-owned by Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs<\/a>, closed with “immediate effect”<\/a>, in January. The Worsley restaurant was opened by the former United player and two of his old school pals amid a fanfare of publicity back in 2014.<\/p>\n Footballer Giggs had realised a lifelong dream opening the restaurant and the trio had said they had always wanted to own a restaurant together and to make Worsley into a “foodie destination”. Messages seen by the M.E.N., that were sent to staff at the time, read: “This is due to the obvious reduction in trade and business against the huge increases in costs of operating the business and the ongoing cost of living crisis”.<\/p>\n February<\/strong><\/p>\n The Waltzing Matilda – Marple, Stockport<\/strong><\/p>\n The start of February saw the sad closure of narrowboat caf\u00e9, The Waltzing Matilda. A regular fixture of the Macclesfield Canal, it served up coffees, cakes, and freshly-made Neapolitan pizzas since 2020, but its owners felt compelled to call it a day.<\/p>\n Run by father-and-son duo Paul and Chris Edwards, the venture took on different locations each weekend. Explaining the closure, the pair explained it had \u2018become increasingly unmanageable\u2019 to balance the business alongside their part-time jobs and said they would not be reopening the boat caf\u00e9. Chris has since opened up Dough Religion at House of Social.<\/p>\n 63 Degrees – Northern Quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n In February, family-run French restaurant 63 Degrees quietly closed down for good after 14 years<\/a> in the city centre. The Parisian-styled restaurant was owned by the Moreau family and was established to bring a taste of the French capital to Manchester. Putting haute cuisine front and centre, it focused on classic dishes and put the Northern Quarter on the map for French dining.<\/p>\n However, speculation about its future first arose during a period of uncertainty over the Christmas<\/a> period 2024. A sign on the door of the restaurant on High Street first informed customers that they would be closed from December 22 until January 11. However, this was subsequently updated to January 30, but the venue never reopened.<\/p>\n KimJi – Bury<\/strong><\/p>\n A Korean restaurant located on Bolton<\/a> Street in Ramsbottom made the sad announcement that it would be closing in February<\/a> this year. The family run business first launched their restaurant in the centre of Preston in 2018 and subsequently opened a second branch in Ramsbottom in the summer of 2021.<\/p>\n In an emotional post shared to social media, owners of the popular dining spot<\/a> said they would be shutting shop after initial plans to relocate to Bury<\/a> were ‘unsuccessful’. In the farewell post, they thanked customers for being part of their journey and explained that their lease was coming to an end.<\/p>\n Unagi – Salford Quays<\/strong><\/p>\n The owners of sushi restaurant Unagi, which have numerous sites across the city-region, pulled down the shutters on the Salford Quays<\/a> site in February after deciding not to renew their licence<\/a> on the space. The dining spot next to the Quayside MediaCityUK shopping centre and The Lowry theatre only opened in August 2024 and claimed to be the biggest sushi bar in the north.<\/a><\/p>\n Dokes – Prestwich<\/strong><\/p>\n Dokes Pizzeria on Bury<\/a> New Road called it a day after two and a half years in the town. Owner Michael Clay, who also runs Elnecot restaurant and bar in Ancoats, said they had tried their hardest<\/a> but would but shutting its doors.<\/p>\n In a post on social media, the team also explained some of the reasons for closure, with Michael saying it was not possible to ‘make the money required for the size of team needed to run as a pizza restaurant’. He said: “We are a small restaurant and the margins that were there pre-Covid are not achievable anymore at this scale and only getting tighter month on month.<\/p>\n The owner did subsequently opened another venture in the space<\/a> with the launch of their wine bar ‘Chin Chin’. Confirming the details of the wine they said: “Some of its natural, some of its not, some of its fun, some of its nuts – a bit of something for everyone we hope. Try something you love and something you didn\u2019t know you would love – that\u2019s what we\u2019re all about.<\/p>\n Second City – Trafford Centre<\/strong><\/p>\n A popular coffee shop and wholesale business has confirmed it will be leaving its location<\/a> at Trafford<\/a> Palazzo at the end of February. The business, which had operated its small coffee shop out of a mobile espresso bar at the shopping centre adjoining the Trafford Centre for four years, said its time there was coming to an end in an emotional post online.<\/p>\n They wrote in an update online: “Since Peel took over we’ve seen the space go from many empty units to almost full with lots of exciting businesses which makes it super hard to leave and not reap the rewards we’ve worked so hard for hey ho.”<\/p>\n Hip Hop Chip Shop – Ancoats<\/strong><\/p>\n One of Manchester’s best-loved chippies bid farewell to its Ancoats home<\/a> earlier this year after owners revealed they were sadly \u2018joining the chorus of independent businesses calling it a day\u2019. “Although Ancoats was an amazing area for us to embark on our bricks & mortar dream, the cost increases from Brexit, Covid, Energy, VAT (halving it would save a lot in the industry), BB Loans etc has meant it’s unviable in its current form – we would’ve had to increase prices much more than we’d be comfortable with to get the margins we need to keep going,” the team explained.<\/p>\n Led by Jonathan ‘Ozzie’ Oswald, Luke Stocks, and Holly Oswald, the chippy, which started life as a mobile van concept, had many accolades to its name<\/a> including most recently being named a runner-up for Best Cafe at the English Chippy Awards 2024.<\/p>\n Phillpotts – City Centre<\/strong><\/p>\n A well-known lunchtime sandwich shop closed two of its Manchester sites in February. Philpotts, which has a number of stores across the UK, put up a notice in the window of its store on Spring Gardens to confirm its closure. It also confirmed its Portland Street location had closed too.<\/p>\n March<\/strong><\/p>\n Amore Coffee and Desserts – Westhoughton<\/strong><\/p>\n Amore Coffee and Desserts first opened its doors in March 2017 and became a popular spot for its selection of coffees, sandwiches, breakfasts and cakes. Run by Rachel Mort, the Bolton<\/a> caf\u00e9 on Manchester Road also served up waffles, cookie dough, milkshakes and ice cream sundaes in a variety of special flavours.<\/p>\n But in March, Rachel made the decision to close down after ‘wrestling’ with the decision for over a year. She explained: \u201cWhilst the shop has brought so many beautiful people into my life, and has created so many amazing connections, it has also had the opposite effect, it brings stress, worry, entrapment and no room for my own personal growth. Light and dark in all areas.\u201d<\/p>\n April<\/strong><\/p>\n Loaf MCR – Manchester City Centre<\/strong><\/p>\n In a heartbreaking post shared to social media last month, owner Aiden Ryan confirmed that he had made the \u2018incredibly tough decision\u2019 to close all of his cafe sites following a difficult year and a \u2018financial domino effect\u2019 that was \u2018impossible to recover from\u2019.<\/p>\n The bakery and cafe chain was created by baker Aiden in the pandemic to raise money for the NHS. The loaf cakes became a hit and they were soon supplying cafes across the city as well as high-end retailers.<\/p>\n Dessert Island Dumplings – Northern Quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n Based on the third floor of Affleck’s in the Northern Quarter<\/a>, Desert Island Dumplings served up a range of vegan dishes including salt and pepper chips, hash browns, noodles – and of course, dumplings. A Liverpool native, Lucy along with her housemate thought up the idea after noticing the lack of options for vegans and veggies.<\/p>\n But in April, the takeaway and cafe called it a day on Manchester<\/a>, confirming they would be closing on June 15. Lucy wrote: “We’ve rolled with the punches these past couple of years, and the shop is better than ever – but wrapping things up at Afflecks is the right decision for us.”<\/p>\n Herbivorous – Withington<\/strong><\/p>\n Another vegan street food business which has become a firm fixture of the city’s street food scene, announced its exit<\/a> from Withington high street in April. Owners Robyn Marsh and Damian Myles first started by popping up at festivals and venues including Ancoats General Store, Stretford<\/a> Foodhall and their first base at Hatch.<\/p>\n Their south Manchester site on Wilmslow Road has been selling vegan street food since 2021. But while it had become a mainstay of the city’s plant-based food scene, owners said it had become ‘really difficult to maintain a thriving business’ as they cited challenges such as the pandemic, wider competition and the closure of Hatch food and drink village on Oxford Road.<\/p>\n May<\/strong><\/p>\n Street Urchin – Ancoats<\/strong><\/p>\n Located on Great Ancoats Street, the restaurant was first opened in 2019 by couple Kevin and Rachel Choudhary as an ‘English market diner’ serving up dishes made with locally sourced ingredients and was once hailed as a \u2018place where good things happen\u2019 by food critic Jay Rayner<\/a>.<\/p>\n But in early May, its owners called it a day<\/a>, with Rachel explaining that her husband Kevin had suffered a medical episode which had meant they had been made to prioritise their health. In November, it was confirmed that the unit would be reopened by Mongrel<\/a>, resulting in a new taproom, coffee shop and pizzeria.<\/p>\n Oystercatcher – Sale<\/strong><\/p>\n The Oystercatcher, which was known for its selection of fresh and seasonal fish and seafood dishes was first opened in Chorlton<\/a> in 2018 by owners Duncan Ranyard, formerly of Hispi, and business partner Recep Canliisik, from the Lead Station.<\/p>\n Following the success of their original venture, Duncan and Recep expanded the empire with a second location, situated on Stanley Square in Sale<\/a>, which opened in October 2023. But after just eighteen months, the owners said the Trafford<\/a> restaurant had now closed with immediate effect<\/a>. The decision came as the pair said they wanted to focus their efforts on the original location in Chorlton.<\/p>\n Cocoa Cabana – Ancoats<\/strong><\/p>\n Cocoa Cabana – famous for its chocolate afternoon teas, incredible hot chocolates and freshly-made artisan cakes and chocolates – closed its Ancoats outpost<\/a> amid an “incredibly challenging” financial climate.<\/p>\n Founded in West Didsbury<\/a> by owner Sarah Gallacher, she launched her second site on home turf on Murray Street in Ancoats<\/a> six years ago. But in an emotional statement issued in May, she announced that the Ancoats Cocoa Cabana cafe would close amid a “difficult decision to downsize and refocus”.<\/p>\n Rising costs were blamed, including the staggering rise in chocolate prices alone for their business, up 200%. However, the Cocoa Cabana business very much lives on though – with the West Didsbury cafe and shop remaining open, and they have also launched a concession at the Selfridges Food Hall in the Trafford<\/a> Centre this year.<\/p>\n Ego Death – Northern Quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n It was reported in May that a \u2018hidden\u2019 cocktail bar<\/a> would be closing its doors just six months<\/a> after first opening in the city centre.<\/a> It was understood that Ego Death, located in the basement of burger joint Super Awesome Deluxe on Thomas Street in the Northern Quarter<\/a>, would be closing down after service on Sunday (June 1).<\/p>\n The bar, which is accessible via a fridge door, only opened last November<\/a> and is co-founded by Cressida Lawlor, who has previously worked at the likes of London Cocktail Club and Sexy Fish.<\/p>\n June<\/strong><\/p>\n Chapati Cafe – Salford Quays<\/strong><\/p>\n An award-winning caf\u00e9<\/a> which started life more than ten years ago decided to sell up<\/a> its Salford Quays<\/a> premises in May. The team announced that it would officially close in November after they decided to move to \u2018pastures new\u2019.<\/p>\n Chapati Caf\u00e9 began in Chorlton<\/a> in 2014 serving up \u2018rice and three\u2019 curries, like Tarka Dhal and chilli chicken. The Gujarati caf\u00e9 was founded by husband and wife duo Dan Hall and Priti Chauhan-Hall, who met at work and bonded over their love of food.<\/p>\n The Dockyard – Salford Quays<\/strong><\/p>\n The Dockyard, which was located in MediaCity<\/a>, first opened its doors 13 years ago and had become a popular location for post-work pints with its outdoor seating area. Over the years, it has featured pop-up food festivals from local vendors and open mic nights.<\/p>\n In June it was confirmed that staff at the Salford Quays<\/a> venue would be ‘pulling [their] final pints\u2019 <\/a>on Wednesday (June 4). Bosses at the time teased that there are already plans in motion for the site, and recently a number Salmon of Knowledge venue opened at the site.<\/p>\n Medlock Canteen – Deansgate Square<\/strong><\/p>\n In June, the Manchester city centre restaurant has confirmed it will be closing its doors less than 18 months after launching. Owners of Medlock Canteen located at near Deansgate made the tough decision to call it a day due to challenging trading conditions.<\/p>\n The concept was brought to life by the teams behind Mexican restaurant Madre, high-end bistro Winsome, and top Liverpool restaurant Belzan. Billed as a French bistro and American diner it received rave reviews from national critics including Jay Rayner.<\/p>\n Explaining the closure, the team said: “The current climate has made that dream a tough one to sustain<\/a>. Rising costs, increased taxes, and tighter spending have created challenges we\u2019ve fought hard to overcome but, sadly, they\u2019re ones we just can\u2019t compete with.”<\/p>\n Coffee Island II – Stockport<\/strong><\/p>\n The owners of a popular caf\u00e9<\/a> which had been running for a quarter of a century<\/a> announced they would be closing their doors in a heart-breaking statement in June. Coffee Island II, located within the Merseyway Shopping Centre, had been a popular name in Stockport Town Centre<\/a> for 25 years for its hot drinks, cakes, sandwiches, and burgers.<\/p>\n Owners said they had been \u2018left with no choice\u2019 following a mixture of too many coffee shops opening within the area, and a decline in the number of other shops nearby. Owners also cited the closure of the A6 roundabout, which has been in place since March and will last a year, as having had an impact on business.<\/p>\n Rola Wala – Deansgate<\/strong><\/p>\n First opened in November 2023, Rola Wala arrived in the city<\/a> with its footlong naan rolls filled with fresh flavours inspired by Indian street food delights including butter chicken, pulled lamb and sweet potato saag. The Deansgate site was the first Rola Wala site outside of Leeds, with the flagship store there first opening in 2016.<\/p>\n In a statement issued at the time, the team wrote: “After 18 months, we’re saying goodbye to our Manchester restaurant<\/a>. It’s not the end of Rola Wala – but it is the end of an era. We’re walking away proud – and walking towards something new.\u201d<\/p>\n Further explaining how the restaurant\u2019s location had \u2018sat between two worlds – office lunch and late-night crowds\u2019, they had been required to adapt to both audiences and that would have required \u2018changing who we are and that didn\u2019t feel right\u2019.<\/p>\n Kala – Manchester City Centre<\/strong><\/p>\n Renowned chef Gary Usher closed his acclaimed Manchester city centre eatery<\/a> Kala with immediate effect in a shock announcement in June. The restaurant first opened on King Street six years in a blaze of publicity after a record-breaking \u00a3100,000 Crowdfunder appeal was launched by chef Gary.<\/p>\n In a statement announcing the closure, Gary said it had always been his “dream” to open in Manchester city centre<\/a>, but said he was “so sorry I couldn’t create something with longevity”. He said: “I’m not really sure how to explain why we’ve closed other than we weren’t busy enough to cover our costs.<\/p>\n “I really really want to blame the economy and the pandemic. I really want to say the rising costs have made it impossible. All those factors haven’t helped but we are 50% down in trade at Kala and that is the killer.”<\/p>\n Bens at the Legion – Bolton<\/strong><\/p>\n The pub, on Manchester Road in Blackrod<\/a>, closed with immediate effect after owners sadly admitted they couldn’t get enough people through the doors<\/a>. Ran by owners Ben and Nikki Haydock since October 2024, the venue, which was named after the space’s former time as the Blackrod Royal British Legion Club, closed in June. At the time, Ben and Nikki said: “We’ve ploughed a ridiculous amount of time, effort and money into the venue but unfortunately we’re just not getting enough people through the door for the business to be viable.”<\/p>\n Annie’s – Manchester City Centre<\/strong><\/p>\n In summer, Coronation Street star Jennie McAlpine confirmed the closure of her city centre restaurant in a heartbreaking post<\/a>. She wrote at the time: “Thanks for all the support you’ve given to us all over these years. With love and thanks. Chris and Jennie.”<\/p>\n Located on Old Bank Street in the city centre<\/a>, the gastropub and bar was co-owned by Jennie McAlpine, who has played Fiz Brown in Coronation Street<\/a> since 2001, and her partner Chris Farr. The venue, which is ranked sixth on Tripadvisor for restaurants in Manchester, first opened in 2012 and served a range of dishes, including steaks, burgers, pies, salads, and fish.<\/p>\n Croma – Chorlton<\/strong><\/p>\n Croma opened its first restaurant in 2000 and has become known ever since for its Italian-fusion creations made with specialist ingredients. Its first venue, on Clarence Street in the city centre, closed its doors in 2022 following the on-going impact of the pandemic.<\/a><\/p>\n In 2023, bosses then announced<\/a> they would be closing their Didsbury<\/a> venue, on Wilmslow Road, after the lease for the restaurant ran out. For the last two years, it meant there were only two remaining CROMA sites left – in Chorlton<\/a> and in Prestwich<\/a>. In July this, year, it announced it would be closing its Chorlton venue, on Wilbraham Road too.<\/a><\/p>\n Hatty’s – Deansgate<\/strong><\/p>\n In July, the team behind a city centre takeaway and cafe said goodbye to their spot on Deansgate after almost two decades<\/a>. Turkish takeaway Hatty’s closed its doors after 19 years as a go-to, late-night food spot.<\/p>\n The spot, which many Mancunians will have paid a visit to post-night out, was known for its pizzas, wrap, kebabs and burgers, which were served until 2am on some nights of the week. “After 19 wonderful years, we are sadly closing down due to the end of our lease,” confirmed takeaway owner Younes Valinejad.<\/p>\n The Last Stop – Stockport<\/strong><\/p>\n The Last Stop, on Manchester Road in Heaton Chapel<\/a>, opened a little over a year ago and quickly became known for its hot dogs, burgers and gyros featuring toppings such as BBQ Brisket and Chilli Cheese. Announcing the closure of the Stockport venue set for July 26, the venue said it had been deemed<\/a> ‘no longer economically viable’ due to the cost of living crisis.<\/p>\n August<\/strong><\/p>\n The Spirit of Manchester Distillery – Manchester<\/strong><\/p>\n Formerly known as Three Little Words, the owners of the Watson Street bar and distillery, known for their Manchester Gin, announced in August they had closed with immediate effect.<\/a> Situated near Manchester Central<\/a>, co-founders Jen and Seb Heeley-Wiggins said the pandemic, alongside the obstacles to running the hospitality business, had “ultimately led to an unsustainable business model”.<\/p>\n In November, Seb and Jen provided an sad update in which they announced that the distillery side of the business, based in Trafford Park, had also now ended after going into administration<\/a>. It came as an end of the chapter on the business, which had started in 2016.<\/p>\n Crust MCR – Stockport<\/strong><\/p>\n wedged between a used car dealership, a Maserati garage and an aquarium superstore in a Stockport<\/a> industrial estate, Crust MCR gained a big reputation in just a short space of time despite only opening at the end of last year. But in August, the owners of the Gorsey Mount Street venue said it was time to shut up shop<\/a>, adding that the decision was not taken lightly and was made \u2018with great sadness.<\/p>\n But, whilst sad for Stockport, the team have since reopened a new venue<\/a> in Ancoats in the form of taproom and bar Mongrel. They said the Manchester spot will be serving up ‘the Neapolitan pizzas we’re known for’.<\/p>\n Unagi – Cheetham Hill<\/strong><\/p>\n Following the closure of their venue in Salford Quays earlier in the year, Unagi announced the sad news its Cheetham Hill spot, on Park Place, would also be closing after more than three years in operation. At the time, owners said: \u201cWe\u2019re so proud of what we\u2019ve built here, and we\u2019re grateful for the love and support we\u2019ve received from our amazing team, loyal guests and the community.\u201d<\/p>\n Less than a month after the closure of the Cheetham Hill spot, Unagi announced it had also closed its Wilmslow restaurant<\/a> with immediate effect.<\/p>\n September<\/strong><\/p>\n Feel Good Club – Manchester<\/strong><\/p>\n The owners of Feel Good Club, on Hilton Street in the Northern Quarter<\/a>, announced in a heart-breaking statement<\/a> that they would be shutting down in September following the impact of the ‘hospitality crisis’. Run by co-owners Aimee Skillen and Kiera Lawlor since opening in 2020, the caf\u00e9, bar and events space went out ‘in style’ with three days<\/a> of live music, drag performances, drinks specials and dance parties.<\/p>\n Retreat – Bolton<\/strong><\/p>\n Based on Chorley New Road, Retreat closed its doors in September after 16 years. The bar and grill, known for its menu of steaks, burgers, hand-stretched pizzas, small plates, and Sunday roasts, announced it was closing down<\/a> with \u2018a lot of memories\u2019 due to rising costs. “This is such a great loss to Bolton,” one regular responded at the time. “I couldn\u2019t believe it when I heard. I\u2019ve loved coming here.” Retreat’s other venues in Bromley Cross and Adlington remain open.<\/p>\n The Laundrette – Chorlton<\/strong><\/p>\n After 12 years in business, neighbourhood restaurant The Laundrette, which had the honour of being number one on TripAdvisor for Greater Manchester for the past five years, closed its doors<\/a>. The announcement of the Beech Road venue came after owners blamed rising costs and “insufficient government support”.<\/p>\n Sandinista – Manchester<\/strong><\/p>\n Popular Latin bar and restaurant on Old Bank Street, just off St Ann’s Square, closed in October after 13 years<\/a> in business. Known as a late night haven for all types of music, and its Latin-focused dishes, the venue quietly closed after a farewell party was held for members of staff. No reason was given at the time of the surprising closure.<\/p>\n Bohemian Arts Club – Stockport<\/strong><\/p>\n Owned by Blossoms frontman Tom Ogden and his wife Katie, the cocktail bar, on Lower Hillgate in Stockport’s Underbanks, sadly closed its doors<\/a> after a little over two years. First opened in May 2023, the venue took its inspiration from the pair’s experiences of bars they visited around the world during Tom’s time touring.<\/p>\n Situated above Katie’s hairdressing salon, the pair said the closure of Bohemian Arts Club – on October 3 – was as the result of the ‘thriving’ salon expanding into the previous bar space. The couple added: “Thank you so much for your love and support over the last couple of years. Here\u2019s to the next chapter ahead, we can\u2019t wait to show you all the new space!”<\/p>\n The Watchmakers – Stockport<\/strong><\/p>\n Also in Stockport, Cheadle<\/a> Hulme<\/a> haunt The Watchmakers closed at the start of the month<\/a> after less than a year in business. Situated in the former Wetherspoons spot on Station Road, the pub’s team thanked their regular customers after calling the experience a ‘rollercoaster’. Owners added: “We would all like to thank our customers old and new, for all your support over the last 11 months. It\u2019s honestly been an absolute blast.”<\/p>\n The venue has since reopened under new ownership.<\/p>\n The Courtyard Sip – Royton<\/strong><\/p>\n After eight years, owners Chris and Jacqui Ashley announced they would be leaving the venue<\/a> after a number of personal reasons meant they no longer felt they were ‘letting customers down’ after being unable to give ‘100 per cent’ to the business.<\/p>\n They closed their doors at the start of October. However, the venue has since reopened by a new team with a new identity. The microbrewery and bar is now called The Royton Mill Tap.<\/p>\n Pizza Hut – Various across Greater Manchester<\/strong><\/p>\n In October, major restaurant chain Pizza Hut said it would close 68 of its locations<\/a>. The news came after DC London Pie, the franchisee behind Pizza Hut’s UK venues, fell into administration with the firm appointing administrators from corporate finance firm FTI. Seven venues in Greater Manchester closed in Ashton<\/a>, Bolton, Manchester Fort, Oldham<\/a>, Rochdale, Urmston and Wigan<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Scandinavian-influenced,](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0_DJ_MEN_190920Osma_03.jpg\")
Scandinavian-influenced, Michelin-rated dining spit OSMA, by top chef Danielle Heron, closed in Prestwich at the start of the year(Image: Manchester Evening News)<\/p>\n![\"Blossoms](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0_220523bohemian8.jpg\")
Blossoms frontman Tom Ogden and his wife Katie closed their Bohemian Arts Club venue in Stockport this year(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)<\/p>\n![\"Unagi](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0_JRP_MEN_010824_sushi_001JPG.jpg\")
Pan-Asian restaurant and sushi spot Unagi closed venues in Salford Quays, Cheetham Hill and Wilmslow this year(Image: Manchester Evening News)<\/p>\n![\"Popular](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0_02ALP_MEN060515barsseqnJPG.jpg\")
Popular Latin bar and restaurant Sandinista closed in October after 13 years in business(Image: manchester Evening News)<\/p>\n![\"Crowded](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0_Crowded-House-Bury-restaurant-closing-4.jpg\")
Crowded House in Bury closed at the start of the year after owners spoke out about rising costsJuly<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Stockport-based](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0_Waltzing-Matilda-canal-boat-pizzeria-on-April-23-2022.jpg\")
Stockport-based narrowboat caf\u00e9 The Waltzing Matilda closed after five years(Image: Adam Vaughan)October<\/strong><\/p>\n