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.
“A massive thanks goes to every single member of staff that has worked at JJs. I couldn’t have done it without you!
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“Hopefully, this is not a goodbye but a ‘see you later.'”
Image: JJ’s Vish and Chips
Fans were quick to comment their heartbreak at the chippies closure, with one person writing: “Sorry to hear Jess was the best chippy in Leeds”
Another said: “So sorry to hear this! Your cheesy bean balls are the best! Great food and staff you will be back”
A third commented: “so so sad!!!!!! the Best vegan fish&chips ever!!!”
Feature image – JJ’s Vish and Chips
News
Price caps and standardisations to be introduced for vet care in UK following major investigation
Emily Sergeant
Reforms to the veterinary industry to help pet owners better navigate the vet services market are set to be introduced this year.
After an independent inquiry group recently found that the current system is leaving pet owners ‘in the dark’, with a lack of information to help make informed decisions leading to weak competition and high prices, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has this week concluded its investigation into veterinary services for household pets in the UK.
The final report green-lights a package of measures to make the market more competitive, easier to navigate, and more responsive to pet owners’ needs.
It outlines the final remedies and recommendations, which together, will transform the market.
Remedies and recommendations in the report range from price caps and standardisations, through to upfront cost transparency.
We’ve set out major reforms to the UK’s veterinary sector now our market investigation is complete.
Our reforms will help pet owners better navigate the vet services market and will start coming into force later this year.
— Competition & Markets Authority (@CMAgovUK) March 24, 2026
Practices will soon be required to publish a comprehensive price list for standard services – including consultations, common procedures, diagnostics, written prescriptions and cremation options – so pet owners know up-front how much certain services are expected to cost.
They’ll also have to make it clear whether they are part of a group or an independent business, and provide a written estimate in advance for any treatment expected to cost £500 or more (including aftercare costs), plus an itemised bill.
Written prescription fees are set to be capped at £21 for the first medicine, and then £12.50 for any additional medicines.
Price caps and standardisations are set to be introduced for vet care in UK / Credit: Pxhere
There’s also set to be changes to the complaints process, as practices will now be required to follow a transparent, accessible, in-house complaints process, and engage in mediation where disputes cannot be resolved.
The CMA says an ‘unprecedented’ response from both the public and the sector has helped to shape the final report.
The next step is for the Government to respond to the report formally – with Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Emma Reynolds, commenting: “We are grateful for all the work of the Competition and Markets Authority, and we will respond to the report and set out next steps for our proposed reforms in due course.
“This Government is focused on helping families save money on vet services by improving transparency and choice around pricing, so the public can make informed decisions about their pets’ care.”
Featured Image – Pxhere
News
Police release footage of Manchester burglar who tried to evade arrest by hiding under a bed
Emily Sergeant
Police have released unseen footage of a Manchester burglar who tried to evade arrest and justice by hiding under a bed.
David Dale Thompson, of no fixed abode, appeared at Manchester Crown Court last week (18 March) where he was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to four counts of residential burglary at an earlier hearing.
The 43-year-old was caught early last year (15 January 2025) following proactive patrols by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) neighbourhood officers across Rusholme and Moss Side, who were in the area due to a high number of reports of burglaries in the weeks prior.
While on patrol, police spotted Thompson ‘acting suspiciously’ while riding a bike just before 5pm, and once officer subsequently followed him to a property on Boscombe Street, before calling for more officers to attend.
After gaining entry to the address, officers suspected something was wrong when they entered one of the rooms, and after lifting up the bed, they found Thompson hiding in the storage compartment attempting to evade arrest.
GMP has now released footage of the moment Thompson was caught.
Speaking following Thompson’s sentencing last week, Detective Inspector Natalie McDonald, of GMP’s Manchester Central Neighbourhood Crime Team, said: “This was a fantastic example of proactive policing, which has resulted in a serial offender now behind bars.
“We know how devastating a burglary in your own home can be and this shows our commitment to tackling them head on.
“If you have any information or concerns about neighbourhood crime in your area, make sure you speak to us. In the meantime, we have officers on regular patrols in areas that need us the most.”
Georgina Pellant -
8th July 2022 
