Several beloved eateries in Greater Manchester have shut down this year, highlighting the struggles faced by the hospitality industry amid rising costs.
Greater Manchester: It’s been a tough time for the local dining scene. Just in the last couple of weeks, several popular restaurants and bars have closed their doors, leaving many shocked.
The cost of living crisis is hitting hard. People are cutting back on dining out, which is making it really tough for restaurants to stay afloat. Business owners are facing rising costs and tough trading conditions, making it a real struggle.
The recent Budget didn’t help much either. With plans to raise national insurance contributions and a hike in the National Living Wage, many businesses are feeling the pinch even more.
Some big names have already closed, like Green’s and WOOD. And now, January has brought even more closures, including Crowded House in Bury, which is set to shut down soon.
Crowded House, run by Johanne and Dave Banks, opened in 2015 and was known for its delicious sharing boards and burgers. They shared that their costs have skyrocketed, with utilities doubling and food prices jumping by 38%. It’s no wonder they feel they can’t keep going.
Then there’s Burnt Truffle in Heswall, which chef Gary Usher announced would close this month. He’s been vocal about the struggles in the industry and said it just wasn’t working anymore.
In Wigan, the Damhouse Tea Room is also closing due to mounting losses. The owners said the current economic situation made it unsustainable to keep the business running.
And let’s not forget The Botanist, which recently closed its MediaCityUK venue. The owners were disappointed but said it was a landlord decision that led to the closure.
Lastly, the Nag’s Head at Haughton has also shut down. The owners tried their best to make it work but cited economic woes as the reason for their closure.
It’s a tough time for the hospitality industry, and sadly, it seems like more closures could be on the horizon.
