In recent years, Manchester’s food and drink scene has seen a massive boom. After gaining its first Michelin Star in more than 40 years back in 2018, the city has become a must-visit culinary destination.
This year alone we’ve had blockbuster launches such as Skof, the acclaimed restaurant from lauded chef Tom Barnes; New Zealand-inspired brunch spots in the form of Caravan; and sandwich shop rebirths with the return of Bada Bing. The bars and pubs have been impressive too, with a host of new Irish bars, cocktail dens and underground watering holes.
However, as much as this time of year is a good chance to reflect on all the new restaurants and bars that opened across the region this year, it can also provide a chance to remember the much-loved dining spots that we have lost.
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It’s been another tough year for hospitality, with the industry continuing to grapple with difficult trading conditions, the cost-of-living crisis and increasing costs. Whilst it’s been encouraging in some respects, and the sector has shown great resilience, it’s not been easy.
In October, the chancellor laid out how she would raise £40 billion a year in extra taxes as she unveiled her Autumn Budget to MPs in the House of Commons. Rachel Reeves maintained her promise not to hike taxes for working people, but confirmed plans to raise employers’ national insurance contributions, as well as a 6.7 per cent hike to the National Living Wage and increase to minimum wage for 18 to 20 year olds.
Moves such as these were met with some anger and frustration by the hospitality industry, with one of its major trade bodies calling it the ‘latest blow’ for the sector. While she also confirmed the price of a pint will drop, a permanently lower level of business rates for the sector from 2026/2027, and increase with the Employment Allowance, many have said it will be ‘incredibly difficult’ for some hospitality businesses to survive.
Here we look back at the Manchester drinking and dining spots which have sadly closed their doors in 2024.
January
Greens, Didsbury
Greens Restaurant in Didsbury
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
At the start of the year, it was announced that Simon Rimmer would be closing his vegetarian restaurant Greens in Didsbury. The Saturday Kitchen chef and his team said the move to close the venue after 33 years came after realising they “can no longer make it work” after their landlord increased rent by 35%, with rising costs making it “impossible” to continue. Sadly, it proved not to be the only closure Simon would announce this year.
Sonata
Late night piano and cabaret bar Sonata also closed its doors in January after 18 months. Owners of the city centre venue in St Ann’s Alley said the decision came following the ‘near impossible challenges’ facing venues across the hospitality sector in the ‘current climate’.
A Taste of Honey
In West Didsbury, popular deli A Taste of Honey closed after six years. Owner Penny Lynch said the closure came following a series of difficulties facing the hospitality industry. It was described by locals as the ‘end of an era’.
Cottonopolis
Popular Asian-inspired bar and restaurant Cottonopolis also announced its closure in January. First opened in 2015, the Northern Quarter venue was located within a Grade II-listed building on the corner of Newton Street and Dale Street – going from tailor’s studio into swanky food and drink spot.
Black Dog Ballroom
January also saw popular beer spot Black Dog Ballroom, based on Church Street on the corner of Afflecks, close after 15 years in operation.
Hong Thai
Popular Arndale Market stall Hong Thai announced in January that it would not be reopening in its original location after a blaze broke out in the south side of the market hall in November.
Thankfully, the owners said it was not the end of the business – and reopened at a new spot on Oldham Road in Ancoats in May, featuring its popular dishes inspired by Hong Kong and Thailand cuisine.
Bianco
It was a difficult month in January, and another casualty in the hospitality industry was popular coffee and pizza spot Bianco in Sale. Owners said they had made the ‘extremely hard decision’ due to spiralling rent, food and energy costs. Its Altrincham venue also closed a short while later.
Squawk
Squawk Brewing Company announced it would be shutting down in January, with its last beer being released in March. With a bar in the Northern Quarter, the brewery had become known for its craft ales and IPAs since 2013.
In June, it was announced the brewery would live on as part of Pendle-based brewery Moorhouse’s, whilst Squawk’s bar on the corner of Dale Street is now operated by Fell Brewery.
Lily’s Deli, Ancoats
Lily’s Deli first opened its doors on Henry Street in Ancoats in January 2022, offering Indian vegetarian and vegan cuisine, but announced its shock closure in January.
The shop was launched by the award-winning team behind Lily’s Vegetarian Indian Cuisine in Ashton-under-Lyne and was the second deli for the family-run business after it opened its first offshoot in Chorlton in 2020.
February
Stretford Food Hall
Owners of Stretford Food Hall went the same way as Sale Food Hall last year, with owners General Stores announcing its closure in February. The venue has now been taken over by popular pizzeria and café Bakehouse32, which will be aiming to bring community-driven events to the area.
The Vurger Co
Vegan burger spot The Vurger Co. was one of the venues to close down in February
(Image: Gary Oakley/ Manchester Evening News)
Vegan burger joint, The Vurger Co, in the Northern Quarter sadly also closed in February. The spot, on Tib Street, blamed ‘soaring’ costs and ‘plunging’ sales for the decision.
Canvas
Late-night restaurant, bar and live music venue Canvas, on Oxford Road, closed in February. Having first opened in July 2022, the space was known for hosting a series of community events, pop-up food stalls and live entertainment. It is now home to Amber’s nightclub.
Zing & Zest
Popular Indian restaurant Zing & Zest, on Oldham Road in Ashton-under-Lyne, closed after 12 years in business. Well-reviewed online, the restaurant also served a popular all-you-can-eat buffet on Sunday’s.
March
The Thirsty Korean
The Thirsty Korean on Manchester Road
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Beloved restaurant The Thirsty Korean, situated on Manchester Road in Chorlton, announced it would be closing at the end of March after five years due to the end of the lease for the venue. Owner Eunji Noh said the challenges of the hospitality industry made it difficult for her to continue operating.
However, it is not all sad news for fans of the Korean restaurant. Eunji teased earlier this year that she anticipated she would be back ‘in a new way’ by the end of the year. Here’s hoping!
April
Gin Gin Bar
Gin Gin Bar in Oldham announced in April that it would be closing down after five years. The popular gin bar on Milnrow Road in Shaw boasted more than 100 different gins on offer, and hosted parties and events across its two-storey venue – which also included a karaoke lounge.
Pie & Ale
Northern Quarter bar Pie & Ale, located on Lever Street, announced it was closing in April. First opened in 2013, the venue was known for its homemade pies as well as its selection of award-winning cask ales.
A sign on the venue’s door at the time of its closure simply said it had ‘ceased trading’.
May
The Cheese Court
Urmston deli The Cheese Court, which owners said they had ‘fought hard’ to keep going, sadly closed at the end of May.
The shop, known for its artisan cheeses, wines and meats, had been a staple in the area since 2019 but cited energy hikes and ‘soaring’ product prices as part of the reason for its closure.
Rigatoni’s
Pasta eatery Rigatoni’s has announced it has closed its city centre kitchen
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
In an honest and upfront message on social media to its frequent diners, owners of pasta venue Rigatoni’s said ‘we have failed’ in a message about their brutal year.
Following a rebrand from the original Sugo Pasta Kitchen, staff accepted the shift in concept had not struck a chord and the Ancoats site, on Blossom Street, closed down – its third in just a matter of months. Its venue on Altrincham’s Shaw’s Road, however, remains open.
Proost
Popular Continental restaurant Proost, which opened in 2019, announced it would be closing in May.
Based on Crofts Bank Road in Urmston, the restaurant’s owners said it was ‘impossible’ to keep the business afloat due to the ‘current economic climate’.
Peru Perdu
South American restaurant Peru Perdu, which was based within the Whitworth Locke hotel’s Cotton Factory on Princess Street, closed its doors for good at the beginning of June after a successful five years.
Hailed as one of the city centre’s best kept secrets, the restaurant served small plates, including the likes of sea bass ceviche and Chimmi chicken wings. Announcing its closure, the venue said it had been given notice by the building owners – which was described as being the ‘final nail in the coffin’ for the business.
The Footage
Iconic city centre bar The Footage mysteriously closed in May without warning.
The pub, on the corner of Grosvenor Street and Oxford Road, was a popular drinking spot for students due to its proximity to both the Manchester Metropolitan University campus and the University of Manchester. It has reopened as The Grosvenor.
June
The Woodlands Café
Described as a ‘hidden gem’, The Woodlands Café, based at Dunwood Park in Shaw, Oldham had been a popular spot for almost two years until its closure in June.
Owners of the ‘community based cafe’ said it ‘couldn’t go on’ due to the rising costs of food and ‘other factors’.
Trove
Artisan bakery Trove has been forced to shut down its Ancoats venue
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Award-winning bakery Trove announced it would be closing down all three of its branches in June. The popular name closed its sites in Ancoats, Levenshulme and Wilmslow after a series of struggles.
The move came just two days after the company behind the bakery entered liquidation with more than £1.6 million of debt.
Firefly
Spinningfields restaurant Firefly closed in June after four years in operation.
Owners behind the LA-inspired bar and eatery said the decision came following ‘unsuccessful lease renewal negotiations with the landlord’.
Bernie’s Canteen
Grocery store and canteen Bernie’s, in Altrincham, closed after owners said they had struggled through a ‘long slog against an uphill current’.
The concept originally started life as Bernie’s Grocery Store in Heaton Moor in 2020, with a second site in Altrincham. In 2022, it was decided to close the original Stockport site and rebrand into its newer canteen concept in Trafford following the increased rise in costs.
Karen’s Diner
Inside the Karen’s Diner restaurant in Prestwich
(Image: Vincent Cole – Manchester Evening News)
Another high profile closure of the year so far came in June when it was revealed that the Karen’s Diner spot in Prestwich was up for sale.
The restaurant, known for delivering intentionally ‘rude’ service, permanently closed its Bury New Road branch on June 11 after two years in operation. Owners behind the American diner concept, which originated in Australia, said they were now going to focus on ‘pop up’ events.
Broadway Diner
Also in June, Global Ventures announced they would also be shutting down their Broadway Diner restaurant in the Trafford Centre.
The musical-inspired restaurant – where waiters broke into show tunes – was housed in the centre’s White House-esque building, The Orangery. Despite opening in November, it was revealed to have permanently closed on June 14, but is expected to continue as a pop-up concept with tours across the country.
Pavillion
Park café Pavillion, in Whalley Range, also closed down in June. Based in Alexandra Park, the venue’s bosses said it had closed after it had been unable to renew its contract.
Enzo’s
Enzo’s Italian Bar and Restaurant, based on Castle Street in Tyldesley in Wigan, closed down after years of being a staple in the local community. It was also where celebratory meals were held for school leavers from the area.
iKaro
Located in the former Panacea site on John Dalton Street in the city centre, luxury sushi and steak restaurant iKaro announced it was closing its doors at the end of June.
Billed as a ‘cosmopolitan seafood, grill and Champagne bar’, the venue had first opened in September 2023.
House of Hoagie
Popular city centre food stall House of Hoagies, based within the Mala ‘secret garden’ bar on the corner of Dale Street and Lever Street in the Northern Quarter, announced it was closing after just nine months in operation.
Known for its huge sandwiches, the stall was from the same team behind burger shop House of Bun.
Caribbean Creations
Caribbean Creations, located on Florence Street in Sale, closed after almost four years after owners admitted that the ‘increased costs associated with running a business’ no longer made it feasible to continue trading.
Owner Valerie Leveridge said there were plans to keep the concept going as a catering business.
PLY
PLY in the Northern Quarter became known for its Neapolitan sourdough pizzas
(Image: PLY/@plybarandkitchen)
Popular Northern Quarter pizza restaurant PLY, on the corner of Lever Street and Stevenson Square, closed in June after almost ten years in business.
Known for its Neapolitan sourdough pizzas, the restaurant later featured pop-ups from other local food spots. Bosses said the pizzeria was closing as the venue was ‘in need of some major TLC’ and would be making way for a new tenant.
July
Colleen’s
Owners of the neighbourhood spot on Bridge Street shared an update about the restaurant’s future on Facebook on Monday, explaining that it ‘wasn’t an easy decision’
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Award-winning Greater Manchester restaurant Colleen’s, located in Ramsbottom, opened in March 2022 but closed in July this year.
Owners of the venue, on Bridge Street, said it had closed due to the ongoing impact of the cost of living crisis, as well as a ‘lack of government support’ and an increase in running costs.
Wholesome Junkies
Popular vegan restaurant Wholesome Junkies, which was located under an archway near to Victoria Train Station, closed with immediate effect earlier this month.
Despite being popular, the venue’s founder Chelsea Campbell said its costs had ‘skyrocketed’ and they couldn’t ‘keep up with the debt’. However, not all was lost, and in September, the venue reopened in a new spot.
Factory Bake
Independent city centre bakery Factory Bake, which opened on King Street West last October, said it had closed following ‘a lot of road blocks’.
Owners said, however, that they would continue to serve coffee and pastries at its Factory Coffee kiosk, across the street inside luxury tailors Dooley & Rostron.
Love From
Just weeks after telling customers how ‘tough’ it had become to operate in the current climate, alcohol-free bar, ‘Love From’ confirmed its closure. It followed news that its residency at the Kampus neighbourhood would be coming to an end.
Love From was created by podcast host Karl Considine and debuted with a pop-up space at the city’s Kampus neighbourhood on Aytoun Street in October 2023. The bar hosted cocktail masterclasses and art workshops designed to create a space for people to socialise without alcohol.
August
La Rosa Bella
Italian restaurant La Rosa Bella, based on Liverpool Road in Irlam, announced that it would be closing down for good on August 11. But, in a twist of fate, bosses later revealed it would be reopening as Efes.
Revolution (Deansgate Locks)
Revolution’s outpost on Deansgate Locks was on over 12 within the group to close this summer. In August, Revolution Bars Group has confirmed that it will be closing down several venues.
In April, the Revolution Bars Group announced a significant restructuring plan for the company. They also manage 22 gastro pubs. Stating that rising cost of living pressures were negatively impacting sales outcomes, the company plans to impose rent reductions on roughly 14 of its sites to boost profitability.
Los Vinos
Spanish tapas restaurant Los Vinos, on Crofts Bank Road in Urmston, also announced it would be closing in August.
Koi Sushi
Koi Sushi and Oriental in Salford also closed its doors for good. Known for their blend of Japanese and East Asian cuisine, it was a popular hit with customers before the decision was made.
Luck Lust
Liquor and Burn in the Northern Quarter has announced it will be closing down for good this weekend
(Image: Liquor and Burn)
Luck, Lust Liquor and Burn (more commonly known as just Liquor and Burn), situated on High Street, closed in August after more than ten years in operation. The bar took its inspiration from Mexico and California, offering a range of nachos, taquitos, burritos, tacos and loaded fries, as well as a bustling selection of cocktails and beers.
September
Lamb of Tartary
(Image: ABNM Photography)
Just six months after opening, Northern Quarter spot Lamb of Tartary closed its doors. Nick and Hayley Muir, owners of the Newton Street venue, were also behind Cottonpolis, which closed in January. With renowned chef Shaun Moffat at the helm, it sadly couldn’t stand the test of time.
Greens, Sale
Simon Rimmer made the decision to close the last-remaining Greens spot. “We’ve done everything possible to make this work,” a statement announcing the decision in September said. “But it is now clear the business is untenable.” Running the restaurant with business partner Simon Connolly, the pair closed the venue with immediate effect.
Witch Kings
The Witch Kings bar and restaurant based in Levenshulme, which featured a wealthy rum collection, also closed in September – after just 12 months.
Owners of the venue on Slade Lane told followers that due to ‘rising costs’ and ‘economy issues’ the business in its current form was no longer ‘viable’. However, they also expressed plans to use the venue for private hire in the future.
Momma B’s
Known for its ‘hangover cure’ breakfasts, beloved café and sandwich shop Momma B’s on Portway in Wythenshawe closed down in September after six years. The owners said they were ‘gutted’ about the decision but added there are plans for the venue under new ownership.
Bowlers
Top breakfast spot Bowlers, in the city centre, closed in September but but bosses behind the venue said they were rebranding things. Later that month, they opened El Kabron on its Mount Street premises with a big focus on tapas and pintxos.
Almost Famous, Withington
The Withington branch of Almost Famous closed its doors in September after owners said they had ‘tried’ their best to make it survive.
Having opened just a year earlier, owners had pushed for the ‘beautiful’ location on Wilmslow Road to get the attention it deserved but they admitted ‘it’s not working, we’re not busy enough and it’s dragging us down’.
October
WOOD
(Image: ABNM Photography)
Another big shock of the year came in October, when former Masterchef winner Simon Wood announced he was closing his prominent WOOD restaurant down.
Closing the city centre spot down with immediate effect after seven years, Simon said that Covid rent arrears were being ‘demanded’, and along with issues such as energy increases, ingredients cost and ‘spiralling’ business rates, it made things untenable.
Raft
Just months after opening in the former SakkuSamba spot on on Bridge Street in Spinningfields, visitors to the swanky, high-end restaurant were surprised to turn up for their bookings to find the doors had been locked shut with a letter from a bailiff on the door.
It has since been teased that the space might once again welcome back SakkuSamba.
The Garam Massala
Popular Indian restaurant in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport, The Garam Massala announced its sad closure in October after almost 30 years.
In a statement, the owners said: “After 29 wonderful years of serving our community, we have made the difficult decision to close our doors. We are incredibly grateful for the support and loyalty you have shown us throughout the years.”
Sausage Shack
Just a month after being named as one of ‘the best of the best’ in the country by TripAdvisor, the city centre’s Sausage Shack closed its doors.
However, owners behind the concept quickly unveiled a new Jood restaurant focusing on Mediterranean platters, burgers, rice dices, and hot dogs.
TGI Fridays (Royal Exchange, Prestwich and Sale)
In October, popular American-inspired chain TGI Fridays announced it was immediately closing down 35 of its UK restaurants – including three in Greater Manchester – after accepting a new rescue deal following a “challenging period” for casual dining.
The restaurants at the Royal Exchange, and in Prestwich and Sale, all closed immediately.
Vegan Shack
Piccadilly Gardens spot Vegan Shack also closed in October. The family-owned plant-based restaurant served their own take on burgers, loaded fries and fried ‘chicken’ but owners said their lease was ending and they were leaving the city centre to focus on their Collyhurst hub.
Waggon & Horses
In September, a popular pub in Bolton has announced plans to close just one year after new bosses took over. The Waggon and Horses on Chorley Road temporarily closed back in March 2023 until it was bought by One Vision Group in October.
The organisation, which takes control of local pubs in the region with the aim of reviving them, went on to spend £190,000 on the ale house for a major refurb. However, despite their best efforts, bosses of the Westhoughton establishment said that keeping the pub open in the long run had become ‘untenable’ due to the state of the building and high rent.
November
Gusto (Didsbury)
The restaurant has been part of the Didsbury area for ‘many years’
(Image: Gusto)
The Gusto Italian restaurant in Didsbury, located on Wilmslow Road, shut down with immediate effect after bosses said they had reviewed the site’s performance. They said they had also been approached by a ‘well-known’ retailer with plans for the venue’s future.
Mary & Archie
After 13 years on Burton Road, beloved brunch spot Mary & Archie shut its door for good. The venue which served brunch, lunch and dinner, plus quizzes and jazz nights alongside an array of drinks and cocktails, closed citing ‘impossibly tough’ circumstances for the industry. Thankfully, owners are still running their other site over in Chorlton though.
Petit Paris
Just last month, Petit Paris located on King Street confirmed that it had ceased trading after two years. The ‘first’ French deli in Manchester sold a variety of wine, cheese and Charcuterie, alongside carefully selected products imported directly from France.
Breaking the news to followers on social media, owners said that Brexit and the ‘current climate’ for independent businesses didn’t ‘encourage’ them to continue. They also issued a final plea to customers to support small businesses.
December
Baci
The family-run Baci restaurant, on Bury New Road in Whitefield, closed with immediate effect in December.
A sister site to two other locations in Bolton, bosses announced the immediate closure due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’. Its other two sites will remain open.
Glitch
Stockport nostalgia-fuelled games venue Glitch announced its closure in December after almost two years. But owners Amy Fletcher and Joseph Patten said they were reopening the spot – on Princes Street in the town centre – was reopening as purpose-built superclub Holy Diver.
Blackbird
Blackbird Brewhouse in Stockport town centre also closed with immediate effect, with its owner citing ‘proposed rent increases’ as the reason for shutting its doors. Known for its award-winning pies, the spot’s loyal customers said the news was ‘such a loss to Stockport’.
Fierce Bar
After four years, Scottish brewery Fierce Beer announced it would be shuttering its Northern Quarter bar on Thomas Street. However, the brewery, and its two venues in Scotland, would remain open.