Despite receiving rave reviews, bosses behind Manchester restaurant The Wild Goose have announced it will close its doors less than a year after opening.
Citing the economic slowdown and rising costs, owners shared the news in an emotive post last night as they thanked everyone that had supported the short-lived venture.
The popular Altrincham restaurant, opened by the same team behind the successful Tre Ciccio restaurants, has received a host of positive reviews for its Anglo-French cuisine.
Image: The Wild Goose
Housed inside the former Francs site, it opened its doors last December with diners praising its Sunday roasts, exceptional wine list, and collection of eclectic, retro and classic dishes, all taken from a by-gone era of gastronomy
But just eight months on from its launch, owners have now said they don’t feel they can continue to run it any longer – explaining that they have struggled to get enough people through the door to turn a profit.
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In a heartbreaking post shared to the restaurant’s social media pages last night, they cited the economic slowdown as a reason for the site’s closure, writing: “It’s with great sadness that we have made the unfortunate decision to cease trading at The Wild Goose.
Image: The WIld Goose
“Whilst the restaurant gained a great reputation with numerous 5-star reviews it has simply become far too difficult to generate sufficient customers numbers to be viable.
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“This coupled with the economic slowdown and rising costs over the past few months prompted our decision to take action.
“This then enables us to take stock of our current situation and consider our next steps with a view that The Wild Goose may well take flight again later in the year.
“Thanks for all that have supported us. Best wishes, The Wild Goose Team x.”
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Since sharing the announcement, comments have flown in thick and fast from fans of the eatery expressing their sadness that the business is shutting its doors.
Image: The Wild Goose
One person wrote: “Absolutely gutted to hear this, what a huge loss to Altrincham. I really hope you manage to reopen later in the year.”
Another said: “This is very sad news. We absolutely loved visiting your restaurant. Amazing food wine and service.”
A third added: “So sorry to hear this guys you were a great addition to Alty.”
A fourth said: “Very sad news – you’re an incredible restaurant. Hope to see you back soon.”
A fifth commented: “Wow that’s such a shame and a loss to Altrincham. Good luck with your next venture.”
Feature image – The Wild Goose
News
Chinatown restaurant issues CCTV appeal after customer literally RUNS away without paying
Daisy Jackson
Noodle Alley, a cosy restaurant in Chinatown, has shared CCTV footage of a customer literally running away with an unpaid bill.
The noodle bar is famed for its spicy dishes, hailing from co-owner Wendy Ren’s native Sichuan province.
It’s become a firm favourite in Manchester’s Chinatown since launching in 2023 – but the team have been left stung by a customer dine-and-dash this week.
And it’s the most literal case of a dine-and-dash we’ve ever seen, with CCTV footage shared by Noodle Alley showing the moment the customer sprints out the door, with impressive speed for a man in sliders.
The video also shows the staff chasing the runaway customer, to no avail.
In a heartfelt statement shared online, Noodle Alley said that ‘every meal matters’ when small businesses like theirs are struggling with rising costs.
They also said that the CCTV has been sent to the police in the hopes of catching the man.
In their full statement, Noodle Alley wrote: “Today, someone ran away from our restaurant without paying.
“This isn’t just about the money. Small independent businesses are already struggling with rising costs, and dealing with people who deliberately run away without paying makes it even harder.
“Every meal, every member of staff, and every genuine customer matters.
“Our team reacted immediately and tried to catch him, but he disappeared within seconds.
“We have a very clear CCTV image of the individual, and all the evidence has been passed to the relevant authorities.
“To everyone who chooses to support small independent businesses like ours, thank you. Your kindness and support help keep businesses like ours going.”
Murder investigation launched after injured woman found dead at house in Bolton
Emily Sergeant
A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a woman in Bolton.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that officers responded to reports of an assault on Yewdale Avenue in Bolton at around 3:15am yesterday morning (4 August 2026), and when they arrived on the scene, they found a woman who had ‘sustained injuries’ and was unresponsive
Despite the best efforts of emergency services, the woman – who is said to be in her 30s – was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 36-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody for questioning, police confirmed.
Police say they believe this is an ‘isolated incident’ with no wider public threat.
With a murder investigation now proceeding at pace, GMP is appealing to the public for information. They said in a statement: “We understand how troubling this news will be, and whilst formal identification has yet to take place, the believed family are being supported by specialist officers.”
“A scene will remain in place as officers continue the investigation and we will have an increased police presence in the area.
“I’d like to reassure you that this was an isolated incident that is not believed to pose a wider risk to the public, and we currently have a man in custody in relation to the incident.
“I urge anyone who may have information to support our enquiries to please come forward”.
Georgina Pellant -
21st July 2022 
