Eats

Legendary Manchester burger joint Almost Famous announces shock closure

Can't believe my eyes.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 27th January 2025

One of Manchester’s best-loved burger joints Almost Famous has announced its shock closure after more than a decade in town.

Originally launching in the Northern Quarter, Almost Famous led the way in the UK’s burger revolution, serving up huge stacks of patties and toppings.

Famed for their inventive creations, the burger joint went on to launch sites across the north, including in Leeds.

But today, in news that will surely shock the city, Almost Famous has announced it’s closing for good.

They said that the current economic climate has ‘proven too challenging for us to overcome’, with the business left with ‘lingering debt’ and rising costs.

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They said that their top priority now is helping all those who work for the business to find new roles.

Beau Myers, co-founder of Almost Famous, said: “It is with broken hearts that today, 27th January 2025, we announce the closure of all Almost Famous venues across Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds. 

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“The current economic climate has proven too challenging for us to overcome, with lingering debt from Covid and rising costs across every aspect of the business. Despite our best efforts, we are no longer able to continue. 

“For over 13 years, we’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most talented and passionate people in hospitality. We will do everything we can to support you during this transition. 

“If anyone in the hospitality industry has job opportunities, we kindly ask you to reach out to us at [email protected] – helping our team find new roles is our top priority right now.

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“To everyone who’s been part of our story – thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” 

Almost Famous had Manchester sites in the Great Northern, Northern Quarter, and Withington, shutting the latter last September.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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Viral TikTok eatery Spudbros announce FIRST EVER Manchester site

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Spudbros have announced plans for new sites and they’re bringing their TikTok famous jacket potatoes to Manchester for the first time ever.

The streets of Manchester are about to get a whole lot carbier as the much-acclaimed and well-loved Spudbros have just announced they’re planning to open a site right here in our town centre.

Already admired by thousands every day who queue up in Preston town centre, now the capital of the North is set to be the next venture for a Spudbros’ hot potato truck.

It’s more than guaranteed that this branch in our bustling city centre is destined to be a smash as street food is practically our middle name.

There’s also some big expectations to fill as online, you can see masses of people waiting in line to get a taste of carby goodness. If you can get us weather-complaining Northerners standing outside, you must be good.

@thespudbrothers First customers get a free one! #spudbros #bakedpotatoes #preston #spuds ♬ original sound – spudbros

In an Instagram post uploaded to their official Instagram account Jacob Nelson, who is one half of the viral potato loving Spudbros, revealed: “This is the first time that you guys are going to hear it but the Spudbros are franchising out”.

He explained: “We have got a few stores opening up around the UK, Manchester is one of them in the North West area.”

This exciting news of their thrilling potato truck launch came after some sad news for food lovers and industry workers alike as a popular burger chain shut all its sites.

Just yesterday, Manchester staple dirty burger company Almost Famous announced their closure and many businesses in the hospitality sector offered workers at the now-shut down burger joint jobs at their local eateries.

Nelson also addressed, saying: “We just want to reach out to Almost Famous and anyone who works around Almost Famous and say there is an opportunity to come work for the Spudbros.”

Although they may be prioritising employees who worked for Almost Famous, he reminds potential workers that ‘the opportunity is there for anyone who wants to come and work with us’.

Spudbros are loved by millions online with more than three million followers and this isn’t their first rodeo branching outside of their home comforts in Preston.

Jacob and Harley Nelson, the masterminds and real life brothers behind Spudbros, also have a location in Soho, London, under the name ‘Spudbros Express’, which launched last month in December.

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There is no timeframe for their Manchester potato truck however this location is probably set to open sometime this year, it’s almost like you can get a whiff of their gorgeous cheese and bean jackets already.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

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Eats

Seven Brothers quietly closes Middlewood Locks venue

Danny Jones Danny Jones Seven Brothers Middlewood Locks bar closed permanently

Manchester beer masters Seven Brothers have quietly announced that their Middlewood Locks venue has closed its doors.

The local brewery has built an impressive empire across Greater Manchester over the past decade, with two other Northern sites in Liverpool and Halifax to boot, not to mention a well-established online store as well as being stocked in supermarkets up and down the country.

However, one of their smaller sites over in Salford – where the brand was born back in 2014 – has sadly had to call it a day after more than five years.

Residents at the Middlewood Locks apartment complex, which served as its primary customer base, first noticed that the venue was closed last Wednesday (22 January) and now Seven Brothers have confirmed as much in a brief statement on their website.

Credit: The Manc Eats

Although no news has been shared on social media, a quick search for the Middlewood bar on their Locations page reveals a short update.

“It is with a heavy heart that we have had to take the decision to close our Middlewood Locks beerhouse. Apologies for any inconvenience”, the statement reads.

Commenting under their most recent Instagram post, one punter wrote, “Just walked by there’s a van and staff taking furniture apart inside”, while another added: “Really gutted about this! Nice staff, decent food and nice vibe.”

Offering no explanation as yet as to the reason behind the closure, we can only assume the business is facing many of the same pressures other UK independents are, especially in the hospitality sector.

This week alone has sadly seen the closure of the legendary Northern burger franchise Almost Famous, as well as dessert specialists Lazy Sundae – and we’re only Tuesday.

We’d love to just all of these closures on something in the air and hope it goes away soon before claiming any more hospitality casualties, but the reality is that news like this is simply the result of the ongoing economic pressures facing everyone.

Not only is the cost of living crisis hitting everyone at home and preventing them from being able to go out and enjoy a night at the pub like so many regulars did at Seven Brothers, but with business rates and energy bills continue to climb for local companies like this, it’s becoming harder and harder to stay afloat.

We’re truly gutted for everyone on the receiving end of these unfortunate circumstances and pray that everyone gets back on their feet as soon as possible.

We got some real gems in 2024 and we’d rather not see that list get longer this year.

The restaurant and bar closures that shocked Manchester in 2024

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For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — The Manc Group

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