After fifteen years spent serving its neighbours in the leafy suburbs, popular Chorlton cocktail bar and vegetarian kitchen Proof has been forced to close its doors.
A fixture in Chorlton since 2007, Proof Bar & Kitchen opened for its final swan song over the weekend -leaving its fans heartbroken as it gave them just one night’s notice to come in and say their goodbyes.
Sharing the news of its imminent closure with followers on its social media pages, Proof owners Carly and Andy Hick wrote: “2007-2023. We are opening tonight from 5pm for our swansong. If you can make it down, we’d love to say goodbye.
“Thank you so much for having us, Chorlton x”
A popular haunt amongst Chorlton locals for its vegetarian-led snack boards and weekend brunch menu, Proof was also known as one of the area’s longest-serving cocktail bars – even getting a mention in Difford’s Guide.
In a review published in 2009, the guide wrote: “Back in Sept ’07, when local bartender Andy Hick saw this former Indian then Thai restaurant he had a vision to turn it into an upscale cocktail lounge and the fact it was miles from the centre of Manchester amongst the chimney tops of Chorlton did not phaze him the slightest.
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“Two years on he has proven to be right and the locals which have turned regulars much appreciate his commitment.”
The post from Proof has since been liked hundreds of times online, with innumerable customers taking to the comments to share their reaction to the news.
One person wrote: “Our favourite bar in Chorlton. Wishing lots of luck to you Carly & Andy”
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Another person said: “You are such a big part of my history! Proof, I wouldn’t be who I am without you and Winederlust would not exist without THE Mr Andy Hick”
Image: Proof
Image: Proof
A third added: “So sad to hear this, all the very best in your future. Thank you for getting us through lockdown and beyond! You’ll be missed”
A fourth commented: “Please tell me there’s going to be a new Proof spot somewhere else? Need my fix. All the best whatever happens!”
A fifth said: “@proofchorlton you know how much a part of my 30’s you were!! Baby-showers, New Yrs, Hen Do’s, the works ❤️ Although, nothing will beat the night of KokoKanu & @carlyannahick“
Featured image – Google Maps
Eats
Manchester’s first banana pudding bar has opened in the city centre
Clementine Hall
Make sure to save room for pudding…because one of the city’s most-talked about dessert brands has found a new home.
Buttercup launched last summer, creating little pots of the hit US dessert made famous by the iconic Magnolia Bakery.
Each dessert features vanilla custard whipped with cream, soft sponge, and fresh banana, which you can then customise with rotating flavours and toppings.
And after a brief disappearance from the Manchester foodie scene, Buttercup is back with a bang with their beautiful new home on Deansgate.
Images: The Manc Group
And when we say beautiful, we really mean it.
Glossy burgundy tiles, butter yellow walls and sleek chrome furniture make up the space beneath the huge arched window, and there’s even a few seats for you to enjoy your pud and watch the world go by.
Open daily from 10am til 10pm, the menu includes three puddings on rotation ready to scoop.
Images: The Manc Group
Choose from the classic banana, indulgent tiramisu and an ever-changing seasonal special, alongside a wall of toppings for you to customise your own pud.
Each recipe has been perfected in-house and the proof really is in the banana pudding…because it tastes just as good as it looks.
Since launching, Buttercup has served around 50,000 puddings, hosted sell-out pop-ups across the city, collaborated with some huge brands, and built a loyal following around its signature build-your-own pudding bar.
Image: The Manc Group
With this new standalone space, you’ll of course be able to indulge in its signature banana pudding, as well as breakfast yoghurt bowls, coffee and matcha.
Officially opening tomorrow Saturday 26 September, the first 50 customers will get a free topping and sauce with the purchase of any pudding, plus a free lip gloss from Manchester-born beauty brand REFY.
‘Remember to support genuine independents’ – Manchester’s rotisserie chicken bistro Tartuffe announces closure
Emily Sergeant
Rotisserie chicken bistro Tartuffe has called final orders on its time at popular city centre hangout, Side Street.
Serving some of the best rotisserie chicken in Manchester – ‘sexy chicken’, if you will – Tartuffe first landed at Side Street inside the ABC Building back in the later summer of 2024, and quickly became known and loved by critics and customers alike for not just their rotisserie options, but also their stylish bar snacks and standout sides.
But despite being a roaring success these past two years, Tartuffe took to social media this week to announce the end of the ‘longest pop-up ever’, with its final service being tomorrow (25 September).
Tartuffe will be leaving Side Street this Friday / Credit: The Manc Group
Announcing its closure on Instagram, Tartuffe wrote: “That’s right, our time at Side Street has come to an end and our final service here is this Friday.
“It’s been an incredible two and a half years cooking for the wonderful people of Manchester and we’re hugely thankful to everyone who’s been to see us whilst we’ve been here.
“Another big thanks to the staff at Side Street who we’ve loved working with. We’ve made some great friends and worked with some absolutely brilliant people.
Georgina Pellant -
3rd April 2023 
