Diners have hit out at glitzy Manchester restaurant Rosso this week after being turned away for wearing shorts in the middle of a heatwave.
Despite owner Rio Ferdinand having spent the majority of his footballing career in said attire, his restaurant seems to have quite the strict dress code – as evidenced by a number of angry reviews left on its Tripadvisor page in recent weeks.
A number of diners have hit out at the Spring Gardens site for refusing them entry for wearing what they describe as “smart shorts”, with one lambasting instructions from the restaurant to read its T&Cs, saying “Who really checks these? We weren’t applying for a mortgage!”.
Bosses say that they make it clear to customers that there is a dress code at the site and that management retains the right to refuse entry at their discretion.
Earlier this year on 19 May, the restaurant issued a statement on its website that said: “Rosso has a smart dress code – no shorts/sportswear/hats. Management retains the right to refuse entry.”
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Image: Rio Ferdinand
However, this really hasn’t gone down well with some of their customers – especially this week, as temperatures across the country have soared to 30C.
One review, posted by user eileenp80 to Rosso’s TripAdvisor page two days ago, told of how their group of nine were turned away from celebrating a 40th birthday despite turning up to the restaurant “smartly dressed” with the menu wearing “tailored shorts and smart polo shirts”.
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She continued: “We hadn’t got as far as reception when a very rude man dressed in a track suit with a back pack on said, You can’t come in here wearing shorts. We had no idea who he was. Turned out he was a doorman. […] We thought he was joking, it was 27° outside. The receptionists confirmed this was so.
“I looked inside the restaurant, there were 4 tables occupied. One of which had a customer in denim jeans and a t shirt. We said surely you are not going to turn away a potential bill of £500+ due to this rule? In these economic times and given that the restaurant was almost empty, surely common sense could prevail? At this stage one of the children burst into tears because he thought we wouldn’t be able to celebrate the said birthday.
“There was absolutely no way we were to be allowed in. We were refunded the deposit and told the shorts rule is in the T&C’s. Who really checks these? We weren’t applying for a mortgage! On checking, this is correct but we were unaware of it. Coincidentally, we bumped into friends who had just eaten at Hawksmoor, all dressed in shorts. I know where I will spend my money in future. Rosso you disappointed us.”
Another review posted this week by Tripadvisor user Alien-review tells of a similar experience, where they turned up in tailored shorts on a “very sunny day” only to be turned away by “a very abrupt and rude doorman.”
The reviewer continued: “When we asked to speak to the manager we were told very aggressively “ring them” another ‘customer’ entered in cargo pants, when we questioned this the doorman said “well there not joggers are they” we did ring the restaurant from outside but the manager refused to come out, also the doorman seems to not recognise that bookings are secured with card details with a no show charge, they did cancel this after we called them from outside.
“Maybe the doorman was the owner and under the current economic climate can afford to turn customers away. Also what if someone has a hidden disability that forces them to wear shorts! We have passed our comments on direct to the restaurant but we’re not expecting any response.
“Will not be returning and looking at the reviews not many others will be either, took our custom to a 4* establishment who were more than welcoming.”
The celebrity hotspot has been a fixture at the top of Manchester’s King Street for years, regularly pulling in famous faces like Coronation Street star Helen Flanagan
In a statement issued in response to the review, Rosso commented on the complaints saying: “We truly value all our customers but we do have a very clearly stated dress code which guests are made aware of at the time of booking and is available for all to see.
“The last thing we wish to do is to upset any of our guests.”
Feature image – Google
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Referees admit Manchester City’s derby-winning goal over Manchester United was a VAR ‘error’
Emily Sergeant
Referees have admitted that Manchester City’s winning goal during yesterday’s Manchester derby was a VAR ‘error’.
In case you didn’t tune into the Manchester derby yesterday – which was held at Manchester United’s home ground, Old Trafford – star striker Erling Haaland’s goal handed Manchester City a 1-0 victory – in the end, even after fellow City player Phil Foden was given a straight red card and sent off in the twenty third minute.
Haaland‘s goal was initially deemed offside on the pitch, before VAR overruled the decision.
New City signing Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position as he attempted to play the ball before Haaland scored.
Fernandez appeared to impact the defending of Manchester United‘s Lisandro Martinez by attempting a diving header, despite not touching the ball.
Erling Haaland has put Manchester City ahead in the derby after a VAR check ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/V0DCwryhFy
Following the full-time whistle, United’s manager Michael Carrick said it was ‘worrying’ that the goal was allowed to stand, claiming that there was no ‘grey area’ when it came to determining whether Fernandez had interfered with play.
“It’s worrying if that’s how the game is seen by those who are officiating it,” he commented.
Pundit and former Manchester United star, Gary Neville, also expressed confusion at the decision, declaring on Sky Sports after the game: “I’m going to need the offside law explaining to me, because that has lost me, I have to say. I do think when they look back on this, they will recognise they got it wrong.”
Neville said he thinks that referee Michael Oliver will be ‘nervous’ about the goal yesterday, as will the rest of the officials.
Pro Ref has admitted an 'error of judgement' in awarding Manchester City's winner at Manchester United in their 1-0 victory at Old Trafford.
Erling Haaland's goal was initially disallowed for offside on the pitch before VAR overturned the decision. pic.twitter.com/ZF76Qwz4Ib
And now, less than 24 hours after the match ended, refereeing body Pro Ref has since made what Sky Sports is calling an ‘unusual intervention by confirming that a review of the goal will take place.
A spokesperson for Pro Ref said in a statement: “It was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective, however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.
“Contact has been made with Manchester United to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement.
Charli XCX announces massive Manchester arena gig as part of long-awaited UK and European tour
Emily Sergeant
Charli XCX has finally given UK fans the news they’ve been waiting for.
After the genre-bending popstar announced back in June a series of US gigs this autumn to support and celebrate the release of her eighth studio albumMusic, Fashion, Film – which was met with critical acclaim following its release in late July – fans in her home country were wondering when she would announce UK dates to accompany these.
The 34-year-old been had hinting at a UK and European leg of the Music, Fashion, Film Tour on social media over the past couple of months, but nothing was set in stone as of yet.
Then last night, Charli took to Twitter to announce that she ‘finally’ had some information coming today (11 September), and then followed it up with a teaser video – sending fans into a frenzy.
And now, it has been announced this morning that Charli XCX will be taking to the Co-op Live stage early next year.
Support on the UK and European leg of the Music, Fashion, Film Tour will come from US popstar Audrey Hobert.
Hobert has been having somewhat of a star-making year herself in 2026 following the release of her own critically acclaimed debut album, Who’s The Clown?, last year – with her streams racking up daily and drawing in massive crowds on the festival circuit this summer.
Charli XCX – Music, Fashion, Film Tour UK & EU Dates 2027
13 February – 3Arena, Dublin
15 February – OVO Hydro, Glasgow
17 February – Co-op Live, Manchester
19 February – The O2, London
22 February – Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam
24 February – Accor Arena, Paris
Upon release back in July, Music, Fashion, Film the album received acclaim from music critics, who praised its lyrical honesty and experimental production, as Charli took a sonic journey away from the undeniable mega hit that was her 2024 album BRAT, and into ‘Rock Music’ territory.
Music, Fashion, Film topped the charts in the UK and Australia, as well as in Belgium, Hungary, and New Zealand, while reaching the top 10 in countless other countries – including the US.
Charli XCX will be bringing the Music, Fashion, Film Tour to Manchester‘s Co-op Live on Wednesday 17 February 2027, and tickets will go on sale next week.
Georgina Pellant -
13th July 2022 
