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
A new dedicated Macmillan Cancer Support centre has opened at Stepping Hill hospital in Stockport
Danny Jones
In great news not only for Stockport locals but many more around the region, a brand-new cancer research support centre backed by Macmillan has opened at Stepping Hill Hospital.
Hoping to help Stopfordians, as well as those living in the High Peak region of Derbyshire and other Greater Manchester locals, the dedicated facility officially opened last week.
Operating on a walk-in-only basis, not only will there be no appointments necessary, but it will also be open five days a week.
Based at the back of the Medical and Surgical Building entrance and to the rear of Outpatients Department C at Stepping Hill, further signposting is already helping direct people to the site.
Macmillan Cancer Support Centre Manager, Joe WiechaVarious resources and reading materials are available
As well as aiming to provide a comforting space and alternative to both the hospital and/or the usual home/care settings for patients, visitors and staff alike, it is set to offer a regular programme of events and activities moving forward, including
Future plans for the centre will include a programme of events and activities, including Macmillan’s long-running and popular coffee mornings, wellbeing sessions, visits from partner organisations like Citizens Advice and more.
The NHS, Stepping Hill and the Macmillan organisation as a whole also intend to expand beyond the hospital itself in the coming years.
Delivering a minimum of six hours of support every weekday, it will no doubt offer an invaluable outlet and service to the borough and beyond.
Speaking on the opening, Joe Wiecha – the centre manager heading up the space – said in a statement: “It’s been fantastic for the centre to finally open and welcome our very first visitors. Whoever you are, and whatever your experience of cancer, you will always receive a warm welcome at our centre.”
“Whether you’re living with cancer, supporting a family member or friend, or adjusting to life beyond treatment, our team is here to listen, support you, and help you access the information, services, and guidance you need.”
Once again, Macmillan Support Centre Stepping Hill is open from 10am-4pm from Monday-Friday, and can be contacted via email or over the phone at 0161 419 4582.
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.”
Georgina Pellant -
21st July 2022 
