A much-loved restaurant in Chorlton has announced its sudden closure, due to ‘insurmountable challenges’.
Amma’s Canteen is a south Indian spot on Barlow Moor Road that’s been wowing fans with its small plates and curries since it opened in 2017.
It also served authentic oothappam, a sort of pizza/crepe hybrid made with rice and lentils then topped with spicy hummus and slow roasted tomato compote.
But in a post shared on its social pages last night, Amma’s Canteen confirmed its immediate and heartbreaking closure.
The family-run eatery has said that the support of its customers has ‘meant the world to us’.
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They cited the rise in product prices and inflation as reasons for the shock closure, saying they can ‘no longer sustain our business’.
Amma’s Canteen also stressed that the decision to close was made with ‘much consideration’ and as a family.
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Their full statement reads: “We regret to announce the closure of Amma’s Canteen. Despite our best efforts, the challenges we’ve faced along this journey have proven insurmountable.
Credit: The Manc GroupCredit: The Manc GroupAmma’s Canteen has announced its closure
“We are immensely grateful for the unwavering support of our loyal customers, but unfortunately, with rising product prices and inflation, we can no longer sustain our business.
“We recognize that this news may disappoint you, but we’ve reached this decision as a family after much consideration.
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“Your support has meant the world to us, and we extend our heartfelt thanks for accompanying us on this journey.”
Amma’s Canteen, which also once starred in an episode of Come Dine With Me: The Professionals, has been flooded with messages of support already.
One person wrote: “So incredibly sorry to hear this, absolutely loved Amma’s and raved about you to everyone. Will miss your insane chicken thoran dosa and chicken 65 so much. Best of luck with the next chapter.”
Another said: “Really sad news this guys. Unfortunately it’s happening to so many businesses at the moment. The government is running them into the ground and doesn’t care.
“Loved your tamarind wings and the lamb biryani was the best I ever tasted. I live 2 mins walk from you and I was proud to have such a fantastic restaurant so close serving special food.
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“I am sure you will be successful in whatever you do next, on Come Dine With me you were the most lovely couple. All the best for the future guys.”
Someone else commented: “So so sorry to hear this- we only got to visit a few times- but you were a firm favourite to us and will be sadly missed by myself and my daughter! Wishing you all the best in the future.”
Andy Burnham’s favourite Manchester pub, restaurant, neighbourhood and Sunday roast
Daisy Jackson
Andy Burnham’s favourite pub, restaurant, neighbourhood, and Sunday roast have been revealed – and the man’s got taste.
Old footage of now-PM Andy Burnham chatting to content creator Isaac Likes has been doing the rounds again, and while the interview dates back to before Andy left us and headed down to the big smoke, his Manchester recommendations still stand.
From his go-to neighbourhood and favourite pub to where he heads for a Sunday roast, and even the song he likes to play when he gets behind the decks, Burnham gave us a glimpse into his ideal Manchester day.
First up, there’s the Northern Quarter, which Burnham reckons has to be his favourite neighbourhood in the city.
He said: “Got to be the Northern Quarter. It’s the place where it’s all happening.”
When it comes to food, he singled out Firehouse, sitting on the edge of the Northern Quarter, as one of his favourite places to eat. He also gave a shoutout to its sister venue Ramona, where he’s been known to get behind the decks.
Andy said: “On the edge of the Northern Quarter, Firehouse is a place I love to go. Ramona Pizza, I’ve DJ’d there – if the mayor DJs there it’s gotta be alright.”
For a proper pint, Burnham’s choice is a little more traditional, saying his favourite pub is the ‘proper old school’ Peveril of the Peak.
The beautiful tiled pub was recently named the best in the UK, just days before its legendary landlady Nancy passed away.
When Sunday rolls around, Burnham said he has a couple of options up his sleeve. The Wharf in Castlefield gets a mention, as does Edinburgh Castle up in Ancoats.
The Peveril of the Peak pub in ManchesterThe Edinburgh CastleFirehouseSome of Andy Burnham’s favourite places in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
He said: “We love our gravy, we drink it by the pint in Manchester.”
Of course, no conversation with Burnham about Manchester would be complete without talking music.
Asked to name the best Manchester band of all time, he offered a few contenders – The Smiths, New Order, and, ultimately, The Stone Roses.
“The band I think are quintessentially Manchester is The Stone Roses. That was peak Manchester,” he said.
The amazing new doughnut shop that’s opened in a churchyard in Wigan
Daisy Jackson
A brand-new doughnut hatch has landed in Wigan, serving fresh bakes and speciality coffee from inside a beautiful local churchyard.
This is Holy Grounds, the latest independent spot bringing together freshly made doughnuts, excellent coffee and a spectacular setting, right beside the Wigan Parish Church.
The Lancashire-born business expanded to Wigan just three weeks ago, and it’s already proving hugely popular with the locals.
As we’re seeing all over Wigan these days, Holy Grounds have taken on a beautiful characterful space and turned it into a great new independent hangout.
The doughnut hatch is connected to the church itself, with the room believed to have once been an old school space. Today, it’s been given a very different purpose, with the smell of freshly baked doughnuts and coffee filling the building.
And you can still get a very real reminder that you’re sitting inside a church – the bells ring twice a day.
Holy Grounds was set up by Sam, who was previously a vicar, alongside his partner Hannah.
They and their team are making doughnuts fresh every day, using a 48-hour proving process, before transforming them into a monthly-rotating selection of flavours.
This month’s specials at Holy GroundsThe selection of Holy Grounds doughnuts in WiganA peach and almond doughnut, and an OGHoly Grounds stands in the churchyard of Wigan Parish ChurchFreshly-made doughnuts and coffee in Wigan
This month’s flavours include The OG, peach and almond, chocolate cornflakes, and blackberry and white chocolate.
Holy Grounds serves speciality coffee from Clifton Coffee Roasters in Bristol, making the doughnut-and-coffee combination feel less like a quick sugar hit and more like a proper little ritual.
A beautiful old building, fresh doughnuts, excellent coffee and church bells ringing overhead?
We’re not saying we’ve found heaven, but we’re definitely getting closer.
Daisy Jackson -
22nd April 2024 
