A community fundraiser has been launched to help rebuild Chorlton’s popular Phoenix Deli after it was destroyed in a fire last week.
The cafe is much-loved by locals for its tasty cakes, breakfasts and lunches, with many describing it as a “hidden gem” in an area saturated with popular restaurants and cafes.
But now the popular Manchester cafe and deli is under threat, after firefighters were called to the site on Oswald Road last week to attend to a late-night blaze – spending two hours battling the fire before suceeding to put it out.
According to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue service, the source of the devastating blaze involved a chiller unit and a display cabinet inside the cafe. Now, the focus is on rebuilding and the Chorlton community have been quick to offer their help.
The cafe is much-loved by locals for its tasty cakes, breakfasts and lunches / Image: The Phoenix Cafe
Locals have rallied around its owners as they struggle to restore the cafe – which has suffered significant damage, caused by smoke and fire.
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Setting up a crowdfunder to help them fund the repairs, Sonia Harris explained what makes the cafe so special to the community and why locals are so keen to help restore it:
“We know how hard David and Co have worked to make it feel very homely and gorgeous over the last few year and seeing this was truly heartbreaking for all,” she said.
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“The café is much loved and treasured by the community and so chatting down our road we wanted to help out where we can, so have created this gofundme to try and raise a few pounds -to help David rebuild- least alone to get a few more of those wonderful retro crockery and pots he had in the café.”
Locals have rallied around its owners as they struggle to restore the cafe – which has suffered significant damage, caused by smoke and fire / Image: The Phoenix Cafe
It seems that her appeal has resonated with many, with the fundraiser already at £2,820 at the time of writing despite having only been created five days ago.
Many locals have chipped in, leaving comments to share what makes the cafe special to them and show support for the cafe’s owners.
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Donating £40 towards the fund, Ayako Sumers said: “I discovered this charming place during lockdown. Friendly and lovely place to chill with your friends. So shocked to find on Wed morning on the way to my walk what happened. I am now pleased to find David and Mark are eager to rebuild with Phoenix power. Wishing you all goes well!”
“Best cafe in Chorlton..happy to support them …plus Dave and Mark are absolute gentleman,” said donor Mark Napier.
Many have praised the breakfast items here, calling the cafe a “hidden gem” / Image: The Phoenix Cafe
And Stephen Fernley added: “Everything receives loving attention to detail from the decor to the sadly now incinerated tea cosy collection. Had so many good times here.
“The service is lovingly personal and far superior to the bland professionalism that is all too common in many establishments. Long live the Phoenix Deli!”
Neighbouring business the Thirsty Kkorean has also chipped in significantly, donating £300 to the fundraiser and commenting: “When I was about to close due to lock down, locals and community helped me alot. I am sending that love back to you. Stay strong and let us help you to stand on your feet again.”
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The fundraiser has been shared widely on social media and it seems that they have the full support of the community behind them, in a testament to how good the food and service is here.
Hopefully it won’t be long before the Phoenix cafe rises from the ashes. They’ve certainly got the name for it.
“The family have been informed and both the family and the team at Manor House request privacy at this time.”
In a statement, Cheshire Police said: “At around 8.50am today, Tuesday 28 March, police were made aware that a 25-year-old woman had collapsed at a stables on Old Coach Road, Malpas.
“Emergency services attended the location and, despite the best efforts of all those involved, the woman sadly died at the scene.
“The death is not being treated as suspicious and her next of kin have been informed. A file will be prepared for the coroner.”
It’s heartbreaking to hear Jess lost her life today at the tender age of 25. She was riding out doing what she loved. We had so many great times working in Dubai. May she rest in peace. Here’s her just 72 hours ago. 😔 pic.twitter.com/WE491wmVu4
Keir Starmer says Labour will ‘freeze’ council tax this year if elected
Emily Sergeant
Keir Starmer has said he will “freeze” council tax in England this year if Labour triumphs in the upcoming local elections.
The Labour leader says his party will cut tax “for the many, not just for the top 1%.”
With the next local elections coming up on 4 May 2023, and Labour hoping to gain in its number of seats across England and Wales, Sir Keir Starmer appeared in Swindon today to launch his party’s election campaign, and hit out at the Conservative Party for being “nowhere near good enough” over their last 13 years of power.
Starmer notably blasted the Tories for their decision to raise tax-free pension limits in its most recent Budget announcement – which is set to benefit the most well-off in our society – and said Labour would counteract this and represent working people.
You’d have more money in your pocket with a Labour government.
It comes after almost three in four local Councils say they are planning to increase the cost by the maximum amount allowed after Chancellor Jeremy Hunt raised the cap on council tax increases without a referendum from 3% to 5%.
Council leaders claim they have “little choice” but to increase costs as the rising cost of living crisis sadly continues to make its impact felt nationwide.
Speaking at the launch of Labour’s campaign today, Starmer stated “there is a choice on tax” for the public to make in the upcoming local elections.
He added: “A Tory choice – taxes up for working people, tax cuts for the 1% – or a Labour choice, where we cut business rates to save our high streets and where, if there was a Labour government, you could take that council tax rise you just got and rip it up.
I know what it feels like when times are tough.
I’m determined to help everyone who is finding it tough now.
“A Labour government would freeze your council tax this year – that’s our choice. A tax cut for the many, not just for the top 1%. So take this message to every doorstep in your community: Labour is the party of lower taxes for working people.
“That’s the difference we can make. That’s the choice in May. A better Britain.”
Starmer said he intends for the pledges he made in Labour’s local election campaign launch to “send a message to the government” after their 13 years in power.
“What they’ve delivered to our country nowhere near good enough,” he said
“We’ve got to get out there and show people the difference Labour can make. Let them see our hunger for change. We have to prove that this suffocating cost of living crisis, the path of decline the Tories have set Britain on, the endless sticking plaster politics, is not inevitable.
Georgina Pellant -
1st September 2021 
