A much-loved community cafe in Levenshulme has announced it will close its doors for good later this month.
Aunty Ji’s on Stockport Road, legendary for its cups of chai and South Asian food, broke the news on Wednesday evening with owners blaming rising costs for the decision in a statement posted on its website and social media pages.
The popular South Asian cafe has become a treasured part of the local community since opening in 2020, but now owners say it ‘just isn’t feasible’ to continue operating in its current form any longer.
Revealing that, over the past few months, the team had ‘tried a number of different things to turn things around,’ owners went on to say ‘sadly, they haven’t been enough to save Aunty Ji’s.’
However, it’s not all doom and gloom as the Asian fusion kitchen has also revealed plans to launch a new condiments brand, Raju.
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Owners also hinted that Aunty Ji’s could ‘be back in some form’ further down the line ‘as Raju’s comes to fruition’, although they ‘can’t be sure for the moment’.
Image: Aunty Ji’s
Image: The Manc Eats
The full statement reads: “Hello, This is difficult to say, Aunty Ji’s is closing.
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“Rising costs have led to a situation where it just isn’t feasible to be operating in our current form anymore.
“One of the things I’ve loved most since opening is talking to you, our customers. Since opening, we’ve shared so many great conversations, laughs, forged connections, developed friendships and more.
“The team and and I have tried a number of different things to turn things around over the past few months, sadly, they haven’t been enough to save Aunty Jis.
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“I hope that the memories and experiences you had in Aunty Jis will forever hold a special place in your hearts, as they will in mine.
Image: Aunty Ji’s
Image: The Manc Eats
“While this chapter is coming to a close, I believe that every ending brings the promise of a new beginning. For me this will be Raju, a new home condiments brand that I’ve been working on over the past few months. Raju will posses many of the same passions and ideals of Aunty Ji’s and I’m really looking forward to getting started with it.
“There’s a chance that as Raju’s comes to fruition that we may be back in some form. But I can’t be sure for the moment.
“Aunty Ji’s is open till Tuesday 20th June. I’d love to see you before we say bye.”
A third added: “So so sad to hear this. Such fond memories in AJ’s and really sorry to hear things have been so tough. But excited for the future and Raju too. Keep us posted xx”
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A fourth commented: “so sorry to hear this, wish you all the success in the world for Raju. I will miss your masala chai, which is the best I’ve had since laying on the beaches of India and a lovely old lady supplying me with endless chai and calling me a chicken lollipop.”
A fifth said: “I hope you do return in another form. I loved dining with you when I lived in Levenshulme. Best of luck! Thanks for the amazing Chai.”
Featured image – Aunty Ji’s
Eats
Viral Korean street food brand Bunsik is coming to the Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
Korean street food brand Bunsik is branching out, with a brand-new restaurant confirmed for the Trafford Centre.
Set to open later this year, the London-born brand will be bringing its viral Korean corn dogs – with cheese pulls that stretch as far as your arms will go – to the huge shopping centre.
As well as that, Bunsik is famed for classic Korean street food dishes like ttekbokki, crispy fried chicken, and kimbap.
The Korean favourite already has a popular site over in Manchester city centre, opening up on Piccadilly Gardens back in 2023.
Bunsik is set to open in the Trafford Centre’s The Orient food hall in June, taking over the old Shere Khan unit.
It joins other recent openings like Joe & The Juice, Jerk Junction, and the brand-new Eastern Garden dining area which is home to Blanchflower, Chit n Chaat, and Hello Oriental.
Simon Layton, Centre Director at Trafford Centre, said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming Bunsik to Trafford Centre this summer.
“It’s a brand that brings something fresh, fun and exciting to our food lineup, and we know our visitors are going to love it.”
Korean corn dogs from BunsikThe existing Bunsik at Piccadilly Gardens
Jae Cho, founder of Bunsik, said: “We have been truly overwhelmed by the incredible love and support Manchester has shown us since we opened at Piccadilly Gardens.
“Seeing so many people enjoy our food every day gave us the confidence to believe that Bunsik could truly become a nationwide brand.
“It confirmed that the UK’s love for Korean street food is even stronger than we imagined.
“With that same energy and confidence, we are now thrilled to bring Bunsik to the iconic Trafford Centre. We hope our new home becomes just as beloved a spot for everyone in Manchester and the surrounding areas. We can’t wait to welcome you all very soon!”
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience is returning to Manchester next month
Daisy Jackson
One of the world’s silliest and most-loved experiences is returning to Manchester this year, offering people the chance to step inside the world of Fawlty Towers.
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience sees immersive theatre blend with a three-course dinner, bringing Britain’s most infamous hotel to life.
Fans of the hit 1970s comedy will enjoy two hours of mayhem led by Basil, Sybil and Manuel, all while tucking into a delicious era-appropriate meal.
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience has become an immersive dining phenomenon, scooping awards and selling out venues across the globe since launching almost 30 years ago.
In the years since, it’s welcomed more than one million guests, celebrated 13 years of its West End residency in London, and hosted celebrations for 50 years of the original BBC sitcom Fawlty Towers.
And now it’s Manchester’s turn, with the event returning to our city between 3 and 15 February.
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience is returning to ManchesterThe event is hosted by actors playing Basil, Sybil and ManuelAround 70% of the action is improvisedGuests are served a three-course 70s-inspired meal during the Faulty Towers experienceCredit: Rosie Powell
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience will be taking over the Voco hotel on Portland Street for a limited run, starring Aaron Millard as ‘Basil’, Rebecca Norris as ‘Sybil’, and Simon Hourihan as ‘Manuel’.
You can definitely expect two hours of theatre, chaos, and a 70s-inspired three-course meal, but with around 70% of the performances completely improvised, we can’t tell you much more than that…
Producer Jared Harford said: “It’s such a joy to be bringing Basil and the team back to Manchester. After such an incredible 2025 celebrating 50 years of Fawlty Towers, we can’t wait to continue sharing the laughter, chaos and community spirit that make this show so special.”
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience in Manchester:
Tuesday 3 February to Sunday 15 February
Tuesday to Saturday – doors open 6.45pm, seating and show starts 7.30pm
Saturday and Sunday – doors open 12.45pm, seating and show starts 1.30pm
Ticket prices, all including three-course meal and two hour immersive experience:
Tuesday to Thursday dinner, and Saturday or Sunday lunch – £67.50 pp (including fees) Friday or Saturday dinner £71.50 pp (including fees). Bookings can be made via the box office on (+44) 020 3700 3138 or online at www.faultytowersdining.com
Georgina Pellant -
15th June 2023 
