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
UK passes bill to ban everyone born after 2008 from smoking in ‘historic’ moment
Emily Sergeant
In what is described as being a ‘historic moment’, the UK has now passed a bill to ban everyone born after 2008 from ever buying tobacco products.
It’s been a long time coming, but the final draft of the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill completed its journey through the Houses of Commons and Lords yesterday (21 April 2026), and is now on its way to receiving royal assent to officially become the law.
For those unfamiliar, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will stop people who were born on or after 1 January 2009 from ever taking up smoking.
It will also give Government ministers new powers to regulate tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products – including their flavours and packaging, which make them more appealing to younger generations.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has hailed the bill’s passing as a ‘historic moment for the nation’s health’ on the road to creating a smoke-free generation.
The UK has passed a bill to ban everyone born after 2008 from smoking / Credit: Lil Artsy (via Pexels)
“Children in the UK will be part of the first smoke-free generation, protected from a lifetime of addiction and harm,” Mr Streeting said after the bill was passed this week.
“Prevention is better than cure. This reform will save lives, ease pressure on the NHS, and build a healthier Britain.”
The ban on purchasing tobacco products for those born after 2008 was first mooted by Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Government a number of years back, but was eventually shelved ahead of the 2024 General Election, and then revived again by Labour when they took power.
The bill’s passing parliament has been welcomed by charities and campaign groups – most notably Cancer Research UK.
“This is a historic achievement that will shield our children from the devastating grip of tobacco addiction and help to put an end to cancers caused by smoking,” concluded Michelle Mitchell, who is the Chief Executive Officer at Cancer Research.
Featured Image – Pxhere
News
The route for the 2027 Tour de France Femmes revealed ahead of Manchester debut
Danny Jones
The route for next year’s women’s historic Tour de France has been announced, with some of the best riders in the world set to pass through Greater Manchester and more.
Yet another big coup for the region and our sporting scene.
Speaking with the City Council, now that the full route has been revealed, our very own Dame Sarah Storey joined many in celebrating another huge moment for us; the female Tour de France is not just back up and running, but aiming to become bigger than ever.
🚴♀️ The world’s best cyclists are heading to Manchester! 🚴♀️
The routes for the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift 2027 have now been revealed, with Manchester set to host the Stage One finish on Friday 30 July and the Stage Two start on Saturday 31 July. pic.twitter.com/OMMlhdorqP
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) April 21, 2026
The Stockport-born swimmer turned Team GB cyclist and multi-Olympic gold medallist knows all about what makes this particular sport special, having swapped a previous and highly successful career for an entirely different discipline.
As has now been fully confirmed, the 2027 Grand Départ will be getting underway with our friends in Leeds, before heading through Yorkshire and into Greater Manchester.
Upon entering our neck of the woods, the course will pass through the likes of Rochdale and Oldham into Manchester city centre, before heading into Stockport and neighbouring North West county, Derbyshire, and finally heading back through the Peaks.
Spread across two incredible days, the race itself will finish in Sheffield, with another UK first happening down in London, as the capital will also host the inaugural team time trial held in this country.
You can see the official event’s breakdown of what locations feature in which stages of ‘The Big Loop’ in more detail below.
Leader of Manchester City Council, Bev Craig, went on to add: “Being able to watch the world’s best cyclists in action and in such an iconic event, taking place right here on our doorstep in the heart of Manchester next summer, is going to be epic on so many levels.
“Championing women and girls to participate in and enjoy sports – including cycling – at all levels from entry through to elite, is really important to us and next year’s Tour de France Femmes is set to play a huge part in helping inspire the next generation of sporting talent from our city.
“With millions of spectators expected to line the routes, including here in the city centre, we’ll be going all out to help ensure the event’s success with what is set to be a ‘Tour takeover’ of the city to maximise opportunities for local people and businesses to get involved, to grow their own sporting skills, and to take part in the many community activities being planned.”
Having hosted everything from the BRITs and the MOBO Awards to another Super League Grand Finals in both netball and rugby, not to mention numerous other huge events over the past couple of years, it truly is a great time to be living in Greater Manchester.
Georgina Pellant -
8th July 2022 
