Manchester vegan eatery Vertigo has announced this afternoon that it has closed down all of its restaurants for good.
The popular eatery shared on social media that it has been forced to permanently close all of its sites in Manchester, laying the blame at the door of ‘significantly increased costs’ that have made it difficult for the business to continue to operate.
Specifically referring to an increase in utility bills, they said it was with ‘a heavy heart’ they had to announce that ‘Vertigo is no more’.
Image: Vertigo
Bosses added that the pandemic had taken a heavy toll on the business and that trade had still not returned to pre-Covid levels – especially as the business relies so heavily on a weekday office lunch crowd.
Prior to the pandemic, Vertigo had appeared to be going from strength to strength.
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It had opened its second site on First Street just months after opening its first, after seen huge success with its vegan sandwiches, salads and healthy all-day lunch and evening menu.
Image: Vertigo
Bosses then opened a third site at Media City in August 2020, just as restrictions were being eased following the first Covid wave.
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The team also took on the Manchester Christmas Markets this year, serving up a host of vegan bratwurst specials from a key position in Manchester’s Piccadilly Gardens – the home of the 2021 festivities.
And the brand gained national recognition after being named by The Times as one of the ‘Top 30 Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in the UK’.
Unfortunately, though, bosses now say it’s not possible to continue trading.
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Vertigo was known for its amazing vegan cakes and brownie selection as well as its savoury plant-based treats. / Image: Vertigo
Sharing the news in a post shared to Instagram on Monday afternoon, the team wrote: “It is with a heavy heart we have to announce Vertigo is no more.
“Sadly, we have ceased trading at all of our sites.
“The pandemic really took its toll on us, and trade is still well behind what it was pre-March 2020; and now with significantly increased costs (especially utilities) it is no longer viable for us to operate from our city centre locations which rely heavily on a Monday-Friday office trade.
“We want to thank all of our wonderful customers, suppliers and everyone who has supported us over the past few years. Lots of love, Team Vertigo x”
Feature image – Vertigo
News
Will Smith announces huge gig in Manchester this year
Thomas Melia
Hollywood icon and music star Will Smith is releasing new music for the first time in 20 years, and he’s performing in Manchester later this year.
Now this is a story all about how my life got flipped turned upside down because The Fresh Prince a.k.a Will Smith is coming to Manchester and he’s bringing new music too.
One of the biggest names in the world, the 56-year-old is behind some seriously catchy songs like ‘Miami’, Summertime’, ‘Gettin Jiggy Wit It’.
His new album drops on 28 March, titled ‘Based On A True Story’, and has some featuring credits from R&B megastar Teyana Taylor and his own son Jaden too.
The opening track of the new record ‘Int. Barbershop – Day’ even sees the Philadelphia native linking up with ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ theme tune collaborator, DJ Jazzy Jeff.
It should come as no surprise that this superstar is returning to the stage since both his children have been reaching impressive heights with their musical careers, especially Willow.
Smith has been kicking it with the big dogs of the rap scene recently as current global phenomenon Doechii recruited him for a viral video surrounding her latest single ‘Anxiety’.
This isn’t the only way Smith has been staying in the public eye, he’s also dropped the collaboration ‘First Love’ with Spanish singer, India Martínez, even performing it at Latin award show, Premio Lo Nuestro.
This isn’t the only huge stage he’s performing on as he took to social media to announce he’ll be playing for Concacaf Nations League at Sofi Stadium on 23 March.
The Hollywood star has picked up an Oscar, four Grammys, a BAFTA and films he’s featured in have grossed just under $10 billion – he is legendary.
Now, he’s set to play three UK cities including Manchester, London and even a show in Wolverhampton, we really did get lucky with this one.
The album cover for his latest drop in 20 years ‘Based On A True Story’.The tracklist for Will Smith’s upcoming project.Credit: Instagram
Man City fan jailed after causing £10k damage to a police vehicle following Champions League victory
Emily Sergeant
A Manchester City fan has been jailed for his part in large-scale disorder following the club’s Champions League victory.
The court heard how, following Manchester City’s Champions League Final win over Inter Milan in Istanbul in Turkey on Saturday 10 June 2023, jubilant fans flocked to the streets of Manchester city centre for late-night celebrations.
The large influx of fans in high spirits prompted a police response to ‘ensure public safety’ and ‘prevent any public disorder’, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
However, the disorder did begin to escalate despite police presence.
A number of fans, including 22-year-old Leon Blackett, scaled a police vehicle and proceeded to jump up and down on it, which subsequently caused more than £10,000 worth of damage, and resulted in the vehicle having to be written off.
#JAILED | Leon Blackett (14/01/2003) of Craigmore Avenue, has been been handed a three-month jail term for causing £10k worth of damage to a police vehicle following the club's Champions League win in 2023, along with 41 months for other offences.
Following the disorder, an investigation was launched by GMP’s City Centre policing, with officers obtaining social media and CCTV footage that helped them to identify those responsible.
Blackett admitted to the offence, after he was arrested on Thursday 19 October 2023.
Following admitting to the offence, Blackett was sentenced to 44 months in prison – a three-month jail term for this football-related offence, along with 41 months for possession of a bladed article and a domestic related communications offence.
He has also been given a seven-year Football Banning Order, commencing on the day Blackett received his sentence.
“The actions by Blackett in the wake of Manchester City’s historic Champions League Final victory were completely unacceptable,” commented PC Matt Ford, from GMP’s Specialist Operations Planning Unit.
“This is a timely reminder to those who commit crimes while following the football in another country, we will seek prosecutions for unacceptable behaviour.”
Georgina Pellant -
7th March 2022 
