News
News
Beloved pub and restaurant Mary and Archie announce gutting closure of Didsbury site Danny Jones
One of Greater Manchester’s most beloved little gastropubs, Mary and Archie, have sadly announced that their Didsbury venue is now “closed for good”.
The popular cafe, bar and restaurant has been open since 2011, though this isn’t the first time they’ve had to shut their doors, suffering closure back in 2018 and then again during lockdown.
Located on the busy Burton Road in West Didsbury, they ultimately reopened for takeaway as the UK began leaving the pandemic and eventually found their feet once again, but it now seems they have unfortunately run out of steam due to growing business rates, energy bills and the cost of living crisis.
Sharing a moving statement on social media over the weekend, Mary and Archie confirmed that the last service has already been carried out, thanking customers for their years of loyal support.
The lengthy message reads: “We write this with a heavy dose of mixed emotions – massive sadness but also huge amounts of gratitude. Mary & Archie Burton Rd is now closed for good. Many regulars will know that we made the decision to put the place on the market some time ago.
“It wasn’t what we wanted, but we just couldn’t carry on anymore. The last 2 years have been impossibly tough for this industry. We hung on as long as we could hoping things would get better and they didn’t, so here we are.
“But, we don’t want this message to be all doom and gloom. We have loved being a part of Burton Road – watching it evolve over the last 13 years, whilst also being a part of that evolution has been a privilege and we have no regrets.
“We have met some of the most wonderful people along the way – many of whom remain firm friends. We have seen romances blossom at 200 Burton Rd and been many a table name or speech-mention at regulars’ weddings. We will take those special memories and cherish them.”
We couldn’t have put it better ourselves: Mary and Archie wasn’t just somewhere to grab a drink and a bite to eat, it was a valuable child and dog-friendly community cornerstone that locals will sorely miss – we’ll certainly mourn the pub quiz.
However, fear not, they went on to reassure fans that “this isn’t the end for us”, urging people to visit their larger second site over in Chorlton and give their sister page a follow.
“You’ll see familiar faces and dishes over there and we will be taking the monthly jazz night over with us too”, they continued, signing off by adding: “I’ll quit rambling now, but lastly and as always, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who came in over the past 13 years. BIG LOVE EVERYONE.”
The support online has been truly touching too, with fellow cafe Mercado writing, “We’re sorry that you’re gone. You’ve been a part of this neighbourhood for so long. Times are tough and we hope you continue to rock in Chorlton. Much love neighbour” and many labelling it their favourite place in the area.
But one comment underneath that really moved us was this one: “The first cafe I visited when I moved here. My thoughts were ‘Yep, this feels like home’. Good music and general vibes.” Please do go and give Mary and Archie’s Chorlton some much-needed patronage if you can – they deserve it.
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Featured Images — Mary and Archie (via Instagram)
News
Police urgently appeal after three-car crash in Bolton leaves girl, 6, with ‘life threatening’ injuries Emily Sergeant
An urgent appeal has been issued following a serious collision involving several vehicles in Bolton over the weekend.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that, at 10:30pm this past Saturday night (9 November), officers were called to reports of a serious collision between three cars on the busy thoroughfare of Chorley Old Road in Bolton.
According to police, it’s believed that one of the cars involved in the incident was travelling in an easterly direction along Chorley Old Road, with the second car exiting Avenue Street onto Chorley Old Road.
The first car then crossed onto the opposing side of the carriageway, and proceeded to collide with the third car involved.
#APPEAL | Police appeal for information following a serious collision on Chorley Old Rd at 10:30pm last night.
— Bolton Police (GMP) (@GMPBolton) November 10, 2024
Sadly, 3 people were taken to hospital for further treatment. The injuries of a six-year-old girl are believed to be life threatening.
More: https://t.co/JJ39kYlxck pic.twitter.com/zgqNVHpTJo
Sadly, three people from the third car were taken to hospital for further treatment, GMP confirmed, and a six-year-old girl sustained injuries that, at this time, are believed to be “life threatening”.
Following the incident, police are now urgently appealing to the public.
GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are in the process of following several lines of enquiry, but in the meantime are appealing for witnesses, and anyone who may have information regarding the incident, to come forward and assist.
“This includes anyone with relevant dashcam, CCTV, mobile, or doorbell footage from the area and captures any of the incident,” GMO said in its public appeal.
Read more:
- Police appeal for information after car mounts pavement in Bolton and kills man in his 40s
- Tameside ambulance worker jailed after trying to murder her boss in a ‘frenzied hammer attack’
- ‘Ridiculously irresponsible’ drunk driver who killed 77-year-old man in Stockport jailed
Can you help? Anyone with any information is asked to contact GMP on 0161 846 4741 or 101, quoting log 3388 of 9/11/24.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP