Manchester’s first-ever vegan ‘vish’ and chip shop has sadly closed its doors after just a year and a half trading in the city.
Originally hailing from Leeds, the popular vegan takeaway JJ’s Vish and Chips opened its second site here in M12 back in February last year and was instantly hailed as a revelation by plant-powered foodies.
But now, its owner has shared the sad news that she’ll be closing both northwest sites over the coming days.
The Manchester site has already closed, but the original takeaway in Leeds will remain open and continue to serve its customers until Saturday 9 July.
Image: JJ’s Vish and Chips
Sharing the news on social media on Thursday, owner Jess Jones wrote: “It is with a heavy heart that we have decided to close our doors.’
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Citing ‘numerous factors’ including ‘massive delivery platform fees, rising costs of oil, utilities, fuel, stock and more’, she said that it had ‘not been an easy decision’ to close but she felt that it was ‘a necessary one’.
Saying that she didn’t want to ‘keep increasing […] prices beyond what we believe is reasonable’, she also pointed to the impact of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis, which she said had ‘understandably changed customers’ ordering habits.’
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Image: JJ’s Vish and Chips
The takeaway gained something of a cult following amongst vegan foodies, with people exclaiming over the quality of its house marinated banana blossom, nori-wrapped tofu, battered pickles and svam fitters, reports The Hoot.
However, now it seems it may be the end of the road for the chippy – although its owner remains optimistic that she could reopen the business in the future.
The post continued: “We have enjoyed serving the people of Leeds for just over three years and Manchester for a year and a half. It has been a rollercoaster of a journey with many things thrown at us as a new independent business.
“But it has also been an incredible journey too thanks to the loyalty and kindness of our amazing customers.
“I personally want to thank my family and friends who supported me with my somewhat mad idea at the beginning of 2019 and continued to do so throughout.
The funds will help improve the already incredible music scene in Manchester, benefitting staples likes Night and Day Café, Matt and Phred’s Jazz Club, SOUP and more.
All of the donations will be distributed across six independent music venues and will be used for various instruments, PA equipment, backline technology and other necessities depending on the requirements of each site.
Elbow have teamed up with Co-op Live in aid of supporting Manchester grassroots venues.Credit: Supplied
This initiative has been keeping Manchester’s Northern Quarter in the forefront of people’s minds when it comes to live music as well as the impressive Co-op Live.
Alongside providing vital resources for these local institutions, Elbow teaming up with Co-op Live also helps cement the North West as one of the main powerhouses in relation to live music.
The latest efforts from the largest indoor arena in Manchester fall in line with celebrating one year of bringing some of the best live music to the city, being officially open for 12 months in May.
Co-op Live have made a commitment to the people and the planet, promising to donate £1 million annually to the Co-op Foundation.
The stunning Co-op Live venue, Manchester’s largest indoor arena.Elbow performing at Co-op Live, marking history as the first act to grace the venue.Credit: Audio North/Supplied
Manchester’s latest live music venue also contributed significantly to selected charities, including Happy Doggo – chosen by Liam Gallagher and Eric Clapton’s addiction recovery centre, Crossroads.
As Elbow teams up with Co-op Live, even more money is making its way to necessary resources, this time in the likes of crucial live music establishments.
Elbow front-person Guy Garvey says: “Playing Co-op Live’s opening night will stay with us for a lifetime, not least because of how incredible the room sounded.”
“When the venue donated funds in our name to support the city we love, it made complete sense to carry that through to the Northern Quarter and to venues that have meant so much to my bandmates and I throughout our career.”
Guy Dunstan, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Co-op Live, adds: “In the past year, I have been proud to see Co-op Live become an integral part of such an incredible city.”
“Teaming up with Elbow to directly support the venues that first put Manchester on the map, and to share something so intrinsic to us as venues – proper sound – is something truly special.”
Police launch investigation after a 19-year-old is stabbed in broad daylight at an Oldham retail park
Emily Sergeant
A police investigation has been launched after a stabbing in a ‘very public place’ in Oldham yesterday afternoon.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that officers were called out to Alexandra Retail Park in Oldham yesterday afternoon ( Sunday 30 March 2025) at 3:25pm, and when they arrived on the scene, they found that a 19-year-old man had been stabbed.
The victim was taken to hospital with ‘serious injuries’, and GMP assures that he and his family are being supported at this time.
A scene remains in place at the retail park and some of the surrounding areas while the investigation is ongoing, and a large police presence can also been seen too as officers continue to collect evidence and piece together the events of what happened.
Police also believe the attack to be an ‘isolated incident’ with those involved known to each other, indicating no threat to the wider public.
“We understand this incident is shocking and took place in a very public space,” commented Inspector Andrew Clayton.
“There have been no arrests so far, but enquiries are ongoing to determine who is responsible. At this stage, we do believe the attack to be an isolated incident involving those known to one another.”
Alexandra Retail Park, where the incident occurred yesterday afternoon / Credit: Google Maps
In a bid to gather as much information as possible, a public police appeal has been made.
Inspector Clayton continues: “We have spoken to a number of witnesses so far, but would encourage anyone who believes they have any information or dash cam footage which could assist our investigation, particularly that which may help us identify the perpetrators, to come forward.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact GMP on 101, quoting log 1757 of 30/03/25, or by getting in touch with Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Georgina Pellant -
8th July 2022 
