Owners of a popular Manchester restaurant in the heart of the city’s Gay Village have made the difficult decision to call it a day and will be shutting up their longstanding Canal Street venue for good.
Owners of No. 1 Canal Street Lisa Kettle and Danielle Condron, who also run a pub called The Bridge in Sale, revealed they would be closing both venues in a heartfelt message shared on social media on Tuesday night (10 January).
No. 1 Canal Street first opened as a bar and restaurant in Manchester in 2017 and, two years later, was named Manchester’s best restaurant at the 2019 British Restaurant Awards.
The pair said it was a ‘very hard decision’ and implied that it was ‘difficult times’ that had spurred them to make the call to close both businesses.
image: No. 1 Canal Street
image: No. 1 Canal Street
The full post, which has been shared on No. 1 Canal Street’s Facebook page, said: “It is with great sadness we have had to close both No 1 & The Bridge today. We would like to thank you all for your amazing support over the last 6 years. This has been a very hard decision during these difficult times.
“We’d like to express our heartfelt thanks to our amazing customers, and the team that has made everything possible. Lots of love, Danni and Lisa xx”
A similar statement was also posted on The Bridge’s social media page the same evening, reading: “It is with great sadness we have had to close both The Bridge & No 1 today. We would like to thank you all for your amazing support over the last 6 years.
“This has been a very hard decision during these difficult times. We’d like to express our heartfelt thanks to our amazing customers, and the team that has made everything possible.”
Bookings are now closed on the No. 1 Canal Street restaurant website.
The posts have been flooded with comments of love and support since going up, with one person writing: “This place has been our No 1 for years, Food and Staff were Perfect every time. We’ve been there twice in the past few weeks.
“On our last visit without getting too political the Manager did say the rail strikes had had a massive effect on footfall and turnover, with increasing costs too it’s so hard for smaller businesses. It must of been so difficult to make this call. Thank you for being such a great venue xx”
Another person wrote: “Terrible news. No1 was a welcome addition to the village and have enjoyed many meals and drinks there over the years. Best wishes for the future, but the venue will be missed.”
A third said: “Seeing all the people saying how sad it is.. and it is. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL VENUES AND NOT WETHERSPOONS”
A fourth added: “Our favourite restaurant in town. Really sorry to read this; wishing you all the best for whatever comes next. Thanks for some great, relaxed times – and tasty grub served by friendly, kind people.”
Feature image – No. 1 Canal Street
News
Government to ban the sale of energy drinks to children under 16
Emily Sergeant
The Government is to consult on banning the sale of ‘high-caffeine’ energy drinks to children under the age of 16.
Currently, it’s thought that around 100,000 children consume at least one high caffeine energy drink every day, and there is said to be ‘growing evidence’ that links these drinks to harmful effects on children – including things like disrupted sleep, increased anxiety, poor concentration, and reduced educational outcomes.
So, in a bid to ‘boost kids’ health’, both physical and mental, plans set out today will stop retailers from selling the drinks to those under 16.
The Government believes this move could prevent obesity in up to 40,000 children and deliver health benefits worth tens of millions of pounds.
The proposal would make it illegal to sell high-caffeine energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre to anyone aged under 16 years across all retailers – including online, in shops, restaurants, cafes and vending machines.
The proposals would not affect lower-caffeine soft drinks nor tea and coffee.
Government to ban the sale of energy drinks to children under 16 / Credit: NeedPic
Many major retailers already voluntarily restrict sales, but research suggests that some smaller convenience stores continue selling to children.
Leaders and ministers say early intervention is ‘crucial’ if they are to deliver on their pledge to create the healthiest generation of children ever.
The move to ban energy drinks for under 16s is backed by parents, teachers, and also teaching unions who report on pupils being unable to concentrate and focus because of them, and even so far as to negatively affecting grades and academic performance.
Acting now to improve children’s wellbeing will not only help give them the best start in life and prevent them from a lifetime of poor health, the Government claims, but also deliver tens of millions of pounds of health benefits, as well as future savings for the NHS and increased economic productivity.
The proposal aims to boost kids’ health, both physically and mentally / Credit: Pexels
“How can we expect children to do well at school if they have the equivalent of four cans of cola in their system on a daily basis?” commented Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting.
“Energy drinks might seem harmless, but the sleep, concentration, and wellbeing of today’s kids are all being impacted, while high sugar versions damage their teeth and contribute to obesity
“As part of our Plan for Change and shift from treatment to prevention, we’re acting on the concerns of parents and teachers and tackling the root causes of poor health and educational attainment head on.
“By preventing shops from selling these drinks to kids, we’re helping build the foundations for healthier and happier generations to come.”
Featured Image – Jorge Franganillo (via Flickr)
News
A FREE week-long event dedicated to Japan is coming to Manchester
Thomas Melia
An event dedicated to the East Asian country of Japan is making its way to Manchester city centre this month.
Simply titled ‘Japan Week’, this cultural ceremony aims to package up all the things this East Asian country has to offer, such as music and theatre, compiling them into a fantastic five-day showcase.
Taking place this weekend and based over in the ever-flourishing First Street complex – which will serve as the main hub – the festival is open to all.
We love anything that shows off just how multicultural this city is.
On Friday, 5 September, from 3-5pm, you can watch the Japan Week opening ceremony, which is taking place on an outdoor stage at First Street with the running order including dance acts and even ceremonial-style samurai performances.
With so many artistic events and cultural dates taking place in the growing mini-district that is First St (including Jack Rosenthal Street and Tony Wilson Place), it’s the perfect site for this month’s showcase.
This opening procedure is actually called ‘Kagami Biraki’, and if you attend on the day, you’ll be able to see the traditional opening of the sake barrel, which symbolises unlocking good fortune and the spirit of celebration.
Japan Week is coming to First Street in the city centre from Thursday, 4 September to Tuesday, 9 September, and, perhaps best of all, there are absolutely no tickets required.
More events on the Japan Week 2025 programme will also be taking place at other venues too.
Yes, as the goal of the festivities is to spread awareness and celebrate Japanese heritage and its connection to Manchester, the event is completely FREE – as it should be.
Georgina Pellant -
11th January 2023 
xx” 
