Eats

Gusto Restaurants confirm closure of Didsbury location after 17 years

The decision comes after an internal review of the town centre site.

Danny Jones - 11th November 2024

Gusto Restaurants has confirmed that its Didsbury location has sadly closed after 17 years.

The chain of Italian restaurants has multiple venues all over the UK, including half a dozen in the North West alone and, up until recently boasted a total of four across Greater Manchester and its neighbouring areas.

Now though, the restaurant group has quietly shared the news that their long-standing Didsbury site has unfortunately closed its doors after more than a decade and a half as a mainstay on Wilmslow Road.

News of the closure was verified following an official update on the Gusto website and the south Manchester spot has now been marked as ‘permanently closed’ on Google.

Credit: Gusto Restaurants website (screenshot)

Posting a short notice on their Restaurants page, a statement reads: “We are sad to announce that our Didsbury restaurant will be closing its doors permanently as of today.

“We want to take this moment to thank those who have joined us for your loyalty and support. You made our restaurant a place filled with celebrations and laughter.

“As always, our team members are our top priority. We are doing everything we can to support them in finding new roles within the business or guiding them as they take the next steps in their journey.

“Thank you for allowing us to serve you, and for being part of our journey. We will cherish the memories made here. Team Gusto Italian x”

Having been regular patrons of the Italian eatery for many years, we’re sad to see it go; fellow fans of their food will be relieved to hear, however, that their Manchester city centre and Cheadle Hulme sites will remain open, as will their nearby Alderley Edge and Knutsford equivalents.

Gusto Didsbury now visibly shut down on what would usually be a steady weeknight service. (Credit: The Manc Group)

One of multiple sites opened by the group in 2007, Gusto Didsbury was one of the most popular Italian restaurants in the town for a long time and had previously won Italian Restaurant of the Year at the Pizza, Pasta and Italian Food Association’s PAPA Industry Awards.

Founded in Cheshire back in 2005 by Jeremy Roberts and the late Tim Bacon of the Living Ventures Group following the rebrand of Est Est Est, Gusto eventually received financial backing from Palatine Private Equity back in 2014, with the Didsbury restaurant remaining one of their key locations.

However, with the local area’s culinary scene positively booming, competition has continued to increase over the years and after receiving interest in the unit from “well-known” retailers, the company has decided to vacate the premises promptly following a review of the site.

They have also ensured to help their current Didsbury team transition into other existing venues as well “ensuring they are provided with opportunities within our wider business where available and have all necessary resources.” Sadly, it’s not the only local food and drink spot that’s bid goodbye this week.