Wholesome Junkies, a vegan restaurant in Manchester famed for its plant-based takes on classic junk food, has announced its sad closure.
The restaurant, which is tucked under the arches near Manchester Victoria, had just weeks ago pleaded for ‘understanding and support‘ after taking the tricky decision to overhaul their menu prices.
But a few extra quid on the menu hasn’t been enough to lift Wholesome Junkies out of the economic difficulties many businesses have faced in the last couple of years.
Owner Chelsea Campbell said in a statement this evening that she was ‘heartbroken’ to be announcing the closure, just weeks after sharing her previous, very honest update.
And despite her restaurant reaching such a sad end, she has continued to rally for a ‘change in our economy and in our industry’ for those independent businesses desperately scrambling to make ends meet.
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She said that over the last seven years running the business alone she’s faced ‘challenges and triumphs’ and thanked both her staff and customers for being there through it all.
“We’ve built more than just a business; we’ve built a family,” she added.
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Chelsea also stressed that Wholesome Junkies has been packed every weekend, pointing out that a busy restaurant isn’t enough to cope with the rising costs across the hospitality industry.
Wholesome Junkies will continue to trade at festivals and events despite bowing out of their colourful restaurant on Mirabel Street.
Full statement from Chelsea at Wholesome Junkies
Images shared by Wholesome Junkies as it announced its closure
This is one of the hardest messages I’ve ever had to write. I’m completely heartbroken
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We’ve made the incredibly tough decision to close our restaurant with immediate effect.
Despite being packed every weekend, our costs have skyrocketed, and we can’t keep up with the debt. The figures just don’t add up, it’s no joke and it’s devastating the hospitality industry.
I’m holding onto hope for a change in the economy and in our industry, especially for small, independent businesses like ours.
About 1.5 years ago, I hit complete burnout and it took me a long time to recover I’ve learned I need to be kind to myself and those around me.
Thankfully, my passion for cheffing and Wholesome Junkies still burns bright once again.
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Running Wholesome Junkies as a solo woman has been a journey filled with challenges and triumphs for the last 7 years.
It’s my passion, my dream, and it’s been made possible by the most amazing team by my side who have put up with my quirky adhd ways. Their dedication, compassion, laughs, and support have made these two years on Mirabel St and all the adventures prior unforgettable.
We’ve built more than just a business; we’ve built a family.
We’re going back to our roots with events, weddings, popups, and festivals.
This summer is packed and I’m lucky to have most of our incredible staff joining me on this new adventure.
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We’re on the lookout for a new kitchen residency or popup spot. If you want some award winning burgers at your place, slide into our DM’s!
Keep an eye on our socials for updates on where we’ll be popping up next so you can still get your Wholesome Junkies fix. And if you want to stay in the loop, join our email subscription which you can sign up to on our website www.wholesomejunkies.co.uk
To our wonderful customers who’ve all become our friends along the years, thank you. Your support has kept us alive, and I’m forever grateful.
Please be kind and patient, this is still very raw and I’m still trying to process everything.
Much love and gratitude, Chelsea and the WJ Fam
News
Greater Manchester restaurants are adding an extra £1 to bills to help fight homelessness this Christmas
Emily Sergeant
Dozens of local restaurants will be adding an extra £1 onto every bill over the festive season to help fight street homelessness.
People in Greater Manchester are once again able to give back while they dine at some of the best restaurants the region has to offer in the run up to Christmas, as the successful StreetSmart fundraising initiative is back for another year.
This year, 26 fantastic restaurants have come together to support local homeless charities as the campaign launched this past Saturday (1 November).
Manchester independents such as Mana, Erst, Climat, 10 Tib Lane, Ezra & Gill, Tartuffe, and Blue Eyed Panda are among those taking part in the campaign this year, alongside several city centre chain restaurants such as Lina Stores, Tampopo, Banyan, Manahatta, and San Carlo.
StreetSmart works by each participating restaurant adding an extra £1 to every bill they deliver throughout November and December, with all of the money raised going directly to local homeless organisations, thanks to StreetSmart’s official sponsorship from LandAid.
The funds raised by StreetSmart in Greater Manchester this year will support the crucial work of organisations such as CentrePoint, which funds Independent Living Advisors for young people, and Real Change Manchester, which plugs into the existing homelessness charities to provide that extra boost of funding that makes all the difference.
The StreetSmart team says it’s determined to deliver another record-breaking year in 2025, and provide much-needed support to the services that help some of the most vulnerable people in the city.
Manchester restaurants are adding an extra £1 to bills to help fight homelessness this Christmas / Credit: Supplied | Rifqi Ali Ridho (via Unsplash)
“The festive period can be an incredibly tough time for the vulnerable people in our community,” explained Glenn Pougnet, who is the Director of StreetSmart.
“StreetSmart provides a simple way for people to help some of our city’s most in need. Giving back whilst dining out at Christmas is what StreetSmart is all about, and we’re thrilled to have so many restaurants already taking part.
“Every £1 added to a bill adds up and makes a huge difference.”
Featured Image – John Carey (Supplied)
News
Police appeal for information after pedestrian killed on Mancunian Way followed earlier welfare concern reports
Emily Sergeant
Police are continuing to appeal for information after a pedestrian was killed on Mancunian Way during the early hours.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that the shocking incident occurred at approximately 12:50am on Friday 31 October when it was reported that a Volkswagen Passat had collided with a man in his 20s.
Sadly, the collision was fatal and the pedestrian died at the scene.
The driver of the Volkswagen, a man in his 40s, was subsequently arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Following the incident, subsequent police enquiries have established that a call was made to the force shortly after midnight which reported concern for a man walking on the carriageway, and GMP says it believes the man in that report was the man who was involved in the fatal collision.
Officers were sent out as ‘high priority’ to carry out an extensive search of the surrounding area after the report was made, but it was said that they couldn’t locate him.
#UPDATE | Officers are continuing to appeal for information following the fatal collision on Mancunian Way this morning.
We have referred ourselves to the IPOC after reports that the victim was possibly spotted on the carriageway earlier that morning.
— Manchester City Centre Police (GMP) (@GMPCityCentre) October 31, 2025
Due to this earlier report, GMP has confirmed that it has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to look into its response to the search.
The victim’s family is aware, have been updated, and they are being supported by specialist officers at this time.
GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit is still appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward, and are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have CCTV footage, dashcam, or mobile phone footage from the area in the moments leading up to the incident.
“This is a tragic incident for all involved and we express our deepest condolences to the family of the man who has lost his life, and whom we are doing our utmost to support at this time,” commented Sergeant Andrew Page.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4741, quoting log number 111 of the 31/10/25, or by using the ‘report tool’ or LiveChat function on the GMP website – www.gmp.police.uk
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Daisy Jackson -
10th July 2024 
