Ramsbottom’s much-loved Chocolate Cafe has announced its closure over the weekend, saying in a heartbreaking statement that the hospitality industry is ‘on the brink of collapse’.
They said that it’s become unsustainable to run a business in the current economic climate, adding that the cost of living crisis has hit them ‘at both ends’.
The cafe and gift shop has been a staple of Ramsbottom’s food and drink scene for 15 years, selling handmade chocolates crafted in their workshop.
News of its closure has devastated locals, who say it will be a ‘huge loss’ to the community.
In its gut-wrenching statement written with ‘the heaviest of hearts and tears rolling in my eyes’, The Chocolate Cafe told its followers that Wednesday would be the last chance to buy its chocolates.
They outlined how some costs have rocketed by 40%, pushing them past the point of operating sustainably.
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The message titled ‘A sad farewell’ shared on their social media channels said: “I’ve been avoiding writing this post, as it means the end and I’ve been unsure if I’ve had the strength, but with the heaviest of heart and tears rolling in my eyes, we must announce we are closing.
“It’s not new news that hospitality is on the brink of collapse and despite every effort we just can’t continue. The cost-of-living crisis is hitting an at both ends, our much-loved customers have less in their pockets and goods and energy have increased by 40% and in some cases doubled. It’s just not sustainable.
“Our team have done some wonderful things and I’m proud of what you have done and despite our online business growing at an incredible rate, it’s just not enough to support the hospitality side of our business.
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“Our online business will be open till Wednesday, and if you want your last chance to get your favourite chocolate fix, act now. Please!! Gift Vouchers will be honoured till then.
“We are exploring ways to keep the chocolate business alive but for now it’s goodbye.
The Chocolate Cafe in Ramsbottom. Credit: The Manc GroupThe Chocolate Cafe in Ramsbottom. Credit: The Manc GroupThe Chocolate Cafe in Ramsbottom. Credit: The Manc Group
“I’d like to thank the wonderful staff, I’m heartbroken for you and our suppliers, and our amazing customers.”
They added on Twitter: “A very sad farewell, we just can’t carry on. Heartbroken. Our website is open till Wednesday for you last chance to get your favourite chocolate and support. I can’t thank everyone enough, our amazing team, suppliers and customers. It wasn’t meant to end this way.”
Replying to The Chocolate Cafe, one person said: “You guys brought excitement and happiness to everyone who visited you …with the magic cocoa pod “tree” in the centre and all the delicious goodies inside the shop … it’s just tragic that this is happening and I am so sorry to lose such a brilliant cafe close by…. This is just awful news but wish you every success with what you do next.”
Another commented: “Another faller in Rammy. So sad to hear. Decent people just wanting to tick over but can’t because of an incompetent Government who don’t care.”
Someone else tweeted: “This is so, so, so sad. First @LevanterFoods restaurant in Ramsbottom and now this @welovechocolate. Two amazing places, with phenomenal people, both not able to survive in these tough times.. It’s not fair. Good luck to you both xx.”
Inside The Black Friar as Salford pub unveils incredible floral display
Daisy Jackson
Spring has really sprung in Salford – legendary pub The Black Friar has just revealed a sensational makeover, with gigantic flowers sprawled across its frontage and a new seasonal menu to go with it.
The historic pub is celebrating the changing of the seasons with both a striking floral installation and a menu that celebrates spring and Salford in equal measure.
Most Mancs will by now have spotted the 4,000 flower-strong installation that now adorns the front of The Black Friar, with bright pink, yellow and purple flowers spilling from a gigantic pink tap.
And all those florals continue inside, with the pub’s Tavern – previously a cosy winter hideaway – now filled with trailing blooms and woodland installations, just off their award-winning garden.
Cheshire-based artist Kelly Louise Chapman is the woman behind this sensational transformation of the much-loved gastropub.
As for the pub’s kitchen, they’ve crafted a new very seasonal and very British menu, with plenty of nods to Black Friar’s Salford roots.
There are dishes like a Boddingtons braised ox cheek (the pub still proudly displays its Boddingtons sign outside), aged beef tartare, butternut squash and ricotta tortellini, and pan-roasted cod fillet.
Spring small plates at The Black Friar pubDelicious spring drinksInside The Tavern at The Black Friar
A popular item from the Valentine’s Day menu – the Cornish crab vol-au-vent – will be sticking around on the spring menu, along with an enhanced grill section that includes a lamb Barnsley chop cooked over coals.
Then for desserts, you’ll be spoilt with a banoffee knickerbocker glory, and passionfruit panna cotta.
And for drinks (because this is a pub, after all), The Black Friar has put together a range of seasonal drinks like a rose sangria sharer, and non-alcoholic sodas like kaffir lime and coconut.
Ben Chaplin, head chef at The Black Friar, said: “This new menu is all about celebrating the best of spring produce.
“We’ve carefully crafted each dish to highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients and bold flavours, adding new depth to our offerings while still delivering the comfort that will always be associated with The Black Friar.
“My top recommendation and personal favourite dish is the Slow-Cooked Boddingtons Braised Ox Cheek.”
Neil Burke, owner of The Black Friar, commented: “We wanted to bring a taste of spring to The Black Friar, inside and out. This floral installation will transform the space and bring sunshine and smiles, whatever the weather!
“My top recommendation on the new menu is the Cumbrian Spiced Lamb Scotch Egg. It’s EXCEPTIONAL.”
To find out more about The Black Friar and to book a table, visit HERE.
Team behind award-winning Higher Ground to open new Bar Shrimp seafood bar in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Higher Ground, one of Manchester’s very top restaurants, is to open a brand-new seafood bar later this year.
With Bar Shrimp, they’ll be bringing a brand-new offering to town, with cocktails, beers on tap, British seafood and snacks.
Bar Shrimp will come from Daniel Craig Martin, Joseph Otway and Richard Cossins, who at this point are a well-oiled operational machine.
They’re the team behind proudly British bistro Higher Ground, which grows much of its own produce at its Cinderwood Market Garden and earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand within a year of opening.
The same team are also behind Flawd, the beautiful waterside wine bar at Ancoats Marina.
And they’ve cemented themselves as one of Manchester’s most widely acclaimed hospitality teams – even Rick Stein says Higher Ground is one of the best places to eat in the entire country, which is high praise indeed.
Bar Shrimp, set to open in Manchester this winter, aims to be a ‘relaxed and focused bar with delicious food’.
They say: “Whether it’s a beer after work, some food with friends or after dinner drinks late into the night, Bar Shrimp will be a dynamic space where the music and energy evolves throughout the evening where everyone and anyone can come together for a memorable experience.”
They announced the news this morning on Cerys Matthews’ BBC 6Music Show.
British seafood with a side of cocktails? Sounds alright to us.
A location, opening date and more info on Bar Shrimp will follow – stay up to date with their latest HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
24th April 2023 
