Award-winning pie restaurant Ate Days a Week has closed in Manchester just eight months after launching - announced with a heartbreaking post by its owner. Customers rushed to send their well wishes to chef and owner Andy James after his emotional post on social media explaining the reasons that have "broken his heart".
The venue, which started life in Stockport, is known for its music-themed menu and gorgeous, award-winning pies. Owner Andy launched his first Manchester site on Cooper Street in May with both a takeaway downstairs and full seated restaurant upstairs - where they were also serving up an acclaimed Sunday roast that earlier this month was named one of the best in the UK.
But at the weekend he announced the "difficult decision" to close its doors with immediate effect in the city centre. He told followers it "breaks my heart" but felt there was no other way for the venue - although new ventures in Stockport WILL continue.
Read more: The Chinatown icon with a "secret" blue menu
The post was met with a huge outpouring of support from customers and followers who said they were "gutted" and "devastated" about the news. Many hailed the "amazing pies" they ate at the restaurant while the Sunday roast was called the "best in Manchester".
Andy wrote: "I can’t even begin to put into words how difficult this decision was to come to and just how much it hurts to write this but effective immediately our Manchester City Centre venue is now closed. I’ve deliberated over this whole situation for a long time and in all honesty, it’s caused so many sleepless nights worrying, stressing and searching for ways this could be avoided but truth be told, there is no other way and it breaks my heart.
"Food & drink costs are rising rapidly, utilities are absolutely out of control and the landscape of our economy is so obscured it’s frightening.
"I saw an opportunity to grow, I took a risk, I took a shot and sometimes these things don’t work out and that’s life sadly. Would I change anything? Absolutely.
"Would I do it again? Right now, I’m saying no because this has made me feel like a massive failure but I know it’s not a fail. Do I regret my decision? Not one single bit."
Followers urged Andy not to think of it as a failure and backed him for success with future ventures. Writing on Instagram, thedevineclan said: "You have done tremendously well, unfortunately the current climate is horrible for businesses right now but this is just a little stumble in your path."
Matt Mckie said: "The food and concept was so good. Be proud guys, you succeeded in launching something that people loved, only a tiny percentage of the population can say that." Possiblyruss added: "Quality always wins out in the end. You'll be back."
But Andy did have some good news to share with followers. His plans to launch a pizza shop in Stockport at the refurbished Notion, announced earlier this year, are going ahead and his award-winning pies will be available at stockists across the region, with additional plans to introduce deliveries.
He said: "It’s not all doom & gloom and there’s some good news, there have been no job losses as we have made roles for the full team at other venues within the group and we also have the refurbished Notion reopening next weekend and our working relationships with Stockport County, @blinkerbar @thisisbask, @lapwingdelididsbury and many other venues."
He also announced that pies will soon be brought to "delivery platforms throughout Stockport and surrounding areas" soon, adding: "there’s no time to sit around moping."
He thanked "each and every single one" of his customers who has supported the business on the journey so far.
Read next:-
- 20 amazing places you need to visit across Greater Manchester in 2023
- The BBC Happy Valley cafe that has fans flocking to
- The Manchester restaurant hailed among the best in the UK
- January restaurant offers, discounts and deals for 2023
- Festive lights left in parks after Lightopia owner falls into administration
