It was sadly announced earlier this week that Cat Cafe Manchester was to permanently close the doors of its Northern Quarter premises “due to COVID-19”.
The chain’s Manchester branch became the latest business to close in the wake of the ongoing pandemic.
Confirming its closure on social media on Monday, Cat Cafe Manchester said: “We are truly heartbroken to announce this news, however due to COVID-19, Cat Cafe Manchester will be closing its doors.
“It has been an incredibly difficult decision to make, [though] as it stands we simply cannot afford to continue in our current unit [but] we hope to relaunch in a new premises once the pandemic is over, so please continue to bear with us through this very difficult time.”
The cafe was founded by sisters Ellie and Sarah Close in 2016, with a mission to “give you a new perspective” and “encourage the people of Britain’s greatest cities to be more cat”.
ADVERTISEMENT
Before its closure, visitors paid to enter the cafe and spend time with its feline residents – who lounge around on a plethora of cushions and cat climbing frames – and was also popular with passers-by too, who could often be seen cat-watching through the floor to ceiling windows.
And it’s those very feline fans who have set up a fundraising page in the hopes of raising £5,000 to support the much-loved venue in its future endeavours.
The GoFundMe fundraiser has been organised by frequent Cat Cafe Manchester visitor Lindsay Cooke.
“I know that money is tight at the moment with many people furloughed or out of work but anything that people can spare would help so much.” Lindsay explained.
“Many people will say “well it’s just a cafe why should we donate?”,
ADVERTISEMENT
“[But] it’s not just a cafe with cats, they staff offer various film nights and times for autistic people to visit, as well as quiz evenings and other fun things.”
Lindsay continued: “For me, the closure of this happy place is upsetting as I am an autistic adult who is also disabled [and] this was my place to relax and be happy after a stressful day at work.
“I don’t know where I will go if this place closes as I need routine to keep me grounded.
“This place means the world to me and many others.”
Mental health and autism was always important to Cat Cafe Manchester.
ADVERTISEMENT
“We had a lot of people with autism that used to come with carers and all sorts of things we used to do.” Owner Sarah Close explained to the MEN.
“One of the reasons we set the cafe up was because we think that cats can help with people’s mental health.”
Ellie and Sarah said they are “truly heartbroken” to say goodbye to the venue, but hope to reopen in a new unit once COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed, with Ellie adding: “It is really sweet that customers are fundraising to help save the cafe.
“We didn’t expect it at all.
“It’s such a difficult time financially for everybody, so it’s lovely to see people really want a cat cafe to stay in Manchester [and] as you can see from the responses, we have become a really loved venue in Manchester over the last four years.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Any money that is raised is incredibly appreciated by myself and Sarah.
“It will help us be able to relaunch in a new unit once the pandemic is over, along with hopefully providing job security for our wonderful staff.”
A new dedicated Macmillan Cancer Support centre has opened at Stepping Hill hospital in Stockport
Danny Jones
In great news not only for Stockport locals but many more around the region, a brand-new cancer research support centre backed by Macmillan has opened at Stepping Hill Hospital.
Hoping to help Stopfordians, as well as those living in the High Peak region of Derbyshire and other Greater Manchester locals, the dedicated facility officially opened last week.
Operating on a walk-in-only basis, not only will there be no appointments necessary, but it will also be open five days a week.
Based at the back of the Medical and Surgical Building entrance and to the rear of Outpatients Department C at Stepping Hill, further signposting is already helping direct people to the site.
Macmillan Cancer Support Centre Manager, Joe WiechaVarious resources and reading materials are available
As well as aiming to provide a comforting space and alternative to both the hospital and/or the usual home/care settings for patients, visitors and staff alike, it is set to offer a regular programme of events and activities moving forward, including
Future plans for the centre will include a programme of events and activities, including Macmillan’s long-running and popular coffee mornings, wellbeing sessions, visits from partner organisations like Citizens Advice and more.
The NHS, Stepping Hill and the Macmillan organisation as a whole also intend to expand beyond the hospital itself in the coming years.
Delivering a minimum of six hours of support every weekday, it will no doubt offer an invaluable outlet and service to the borough and beyond.
Speaking on the opening, Joe Wiecha – the centre manager heading up the space – said in a statement: “It’s been fantastic for the centre to finally open and welcome our very first visitors. Whoever you are, and whatever your experience of cancer, you will always receive a warm welcome at our centre.”
“Whether you’re living with cancer, supporting a family member or friend, or adjusting to life beyond treatment, our team is here to listen, support you, and help you access the information, services, and guidance you need.”
Once again, Macmillan Support Centre Stepping Hill is open from 10am-4pm from Monday-Friday, and can be contacted via email or over the phone at 0161 419 4582.
Chinatown restaurant issues CCTV appeal after customer literally RUNS away without paying
Daisy Jackson
Noodle Alley, a cosy restaurant in Chinatown, has shared CCTV footage of a customer literally running away with an unpaid bill.
The noodle bar is famed for its spicy dishes, hailing from co-owner Wendy Ren’s native Sichuan province.
It’s become a firm favourite in Manchester’s Chinatown since launching in 2023 – but the team have been left stung by a customer dine-and-dash this week.
And it’s the most literal case of a dine-and-dash we’ve ever seen, with CCTV footage shared by Noodle Alley showing the moment the customer sprints out the door, with impressive speed for a man in sliders.
The video also shows the staff chasing the runaway customer, to no avail.
In a heartfelt statement shared online, Noodle Alley said that ‘every meal matters’ when small businesses like theirs are struggling with rising costs.
They also said that the CCTV has been sent to the police in the hopes of catching the man.
In their full statement, Noodle Alley wrote: “Today, someone ran away from our restaurant without paying.
“This isn’t just about the money. Small independent businesses are already struggling with rising costs, and dealing with people who deliberately run away without paying makes it even harder.
“Every meal, every member of staff, and every genuine customer matters.
“Our team reacted immediately and tried to catch him, but he disappeared within seconds.
“We have a very clear CCTV image of the individual, and all the evidence has been passed to the relevant authorities.
“To everyone who chooses to support small independent businesses like ours, thank you. Your kindness and support help keep businesses like ours going.”
Emily Sergeant -
13th January 2021 
