Fallowfield institution Kosmos Taverna has closed after 40 years

One of Manchester’s most long-standing restaurants, Kosmos Taverna, has permanently closed its doors.

The Greek restaurant in Fallowfield said it had had ’40 successful years’ here but the pandemic has proven too difficult to recover from.

Kosmos Taverna also cited recruitment challenges as a reason for its closure, with many hospitality professionals leaving the industry due to Brexit and nationwide lockdowns.

In a statement posted on their social media pages, the Wilmslow Road restaurant said it had decided ‘now is the right time to say farewell’.

They wrote: “To all our loyal customers, new and old. It is with a heavy heart we announce that Kosmos Taverna has closed its doors after forty years for its final time.

“The last few years have been extremely difficult with Covid 19, recruitment challenges and the social change of the area.

“We have had forty successful years with many happy memories and have decided now is the right time to say farewell.

“Thank you for supporting us, it may not be goodbye forever, watch this space. Loulla, Vasos, Solos and Stefanos x”

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, owner Loulla Astin added: “I was getting stressed with sleepless nights, it was my health or the Kosmos.

“It’s sad, you know, closing. It’s been 40 years now and it’s been very successful.

“People are scared to go out, which I don’t blame them (for), but I cannot keep a business afloat.”

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Mancs say they’re ‘gutted’ to hear the news, with one Kosmos Taverna customer writing: “So sad to read this. Have been visiting Kosmos for 25 years, we have loved your food and you were a part of many happy celebrations for us.

“Thank you so much for the lovely times (nobody makes garlic mushrooms like you do). Good luck in whatever is next.”

Featured image: Facebook, Kosmos Taverna