For those who’ve been kicking around the Manchester food scene for a while, Croma needs no introduction.
One of Manchester’s most long-standing pizza restaurants, after 22 years in the city the family favourite left fans heartbroken last January as it closed the doors to its original Clarence Street site.
The closure of its Didsbury venue followed this summer, with owners confirming in a statement it was with a “heavy heart” they would be shuttering the Wilmslow Road eatery in May.
Now, a new Italian restaurant has its eyes set on the site at 651A Wilmslow Road – and has revealed plans to breathe new life into the venue with its own offering, which spans freshly-made pizzas, pasta, flaming pasta wheels, and a bottomless brunch with endless prosecco Italian cocktails.
Image: Italiana Fifty Five
Image: Italiana Fifty Five
Italiana Fifty Five, formerly known as Cibo Manchester, already has two popular sites in Manchester city centre at The Great Northern Warehouse and Liverpool Road, Castlefield.
Now, it’s gearing up to take on South Manchester as it swoops into Didsbury Village – but bosses are mindful of Croma’s reputation, and say they have been working ‘very hard’ to meet the ‘high expectations set by [their] predecessors.’
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Speaking to The Manc, a spokesperson from Italiana Fifty Five said: “After the successful rebranding from Cibo Manchester to Italiana, we are excited to share a project that has been in the works for some time.
“We are thrilled to announce that we have taken over the former Croma site in Didsbury. We are fully aware of the high expectations set by our predecessors, and our teams have been working very hard to meet them.
“While we are not yet prepared to disclose the official opening date, we assure you that it will be happening very soon!”
His post has generated a fair bit of reaction already, with one person replying: “Ridiculous advice! Loss of a table for 4 ! Empty tables for 2! Over ordered and over staffed, this stupidly from someone who should know better must corrected. Every customer counts in this day and age.”
Someone else wrote: “The amount of people booking 2 venues this year and cancelling is on the increase too!! We are now taking deposits for groups over 6 to try and eliminate this! When space is an issue booking more than you need is not fair on the venues!!”
Another commented: “A table of 3 is actually sat on a table for four. So you’re denying the business of 50% of its potential turnover. Do not do this.”
Sacha Lord – Night Time Economy Adviser to Greater Manchester.
CREDIT – Darren Robinson Photography
Petit Paris, a charming deli and wine bar in Manchester, announces sudden closure
Daisy Jackson
Petit Paris, a lovely little wine bar and deli in the heart of Manchester, has announced its shock closure.
The cosy spot on King Street shared the news ‘with big sadness’ over the weekend, writing: “Petit Paris, c’est fini”.
The French deli was loved for its incredible selection of wines, as well as its huge cheese boards and sandwiches you could order.
In summer, it had plenty of seating outside on the beautiful cobbled King Street where you could sit and people-watch with a glass of rose in hand.
Petit Paris wrote in a statement shared on Instagram: “Brexit and current climate for independent businesses didn’t encourage us to continue the adventure.”
The local business is still up for a Manchester Food and Drink Award, where it’s nominated for Food and Drink Retailer of the Year.
Petit Paris’s full statement reads: “Petit Paris c’est fini….
Inside the Petit Paris French deli in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupPetit Paris in Manchester was a prime people-watching spot. Credit: The Manc GroupOysters and wine at Petit Paris. Credit: The Manc Group
“It is with big sadness that we have to announce the closure of our lovely deli in Manchester. It’s been 2 incredible years and we our grateful for all the support our customer showed us and our amazing staff that worked hard everyday!
“Thank you to all local social media that provide us great visibility and put us with the best in town.
“Brexit and current climate for independent businesses didn’t encourage us to continue the adventure.
“If you want to support one more time go on and vote for us at the Manchester food & drink festival for 2024.
“Please keep supporting small independent businesses! Merci.”
Georgina Pellant -
27th July 2023 
