News

Independent Manchester vegan restaurant announces closure just weeks after desperate plea

'We've built more than just a business; we've built a family'

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 10th July 2024

Wholesome Junkies, a vegan restaurant in Manchester famed for its plant-based takes on classic junk food, has announced its sad closure.

The restaurant, which is tucked under the arches near Manchester Victoria, had just weeks ago pleaded for ‘understanding and support‘ after taking the tricky decision to overhaul their menu prices.

But a few extra quid on the menu hasn’t been enough to lift Wholesome Junkies out of the economic difficulties many businesses have faced in the last couple of years.

Owner Chelsea Campbell said in a statement this evening that she was ‘heartbroken’ to be announcing the closure, just weeks after sharing her previous, very honest update.

And despite her restaurant reaching such a sad end, she has continued to rally for a ‘change in our economy and in our industry’ for those independent businesses desperately scrambling to make ends meet.

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She said that over the last seven years running the business alone she’s faced ‘challenges and triumphs’ and thanked both her staff and customers for being there through it all.

“We’ve built more than just a business; we’ve built a family,” she added.

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Chelsea also stressed that Wholesome Junkies has been packed every weekend, pointing out that a busy restaurant isn’t enough to cope with the rising costs across the hospitality industry.

Wholesome Junkies will continue to trade at festivals and events despite bowing out of their colourful restaurant on Mirabel Street.

Full statement from Chelsea at Wholesome Junkies

Images shared by Wholesome Junkies as it announced its closure

This is one of the hardest messages I’ve ever had to write. I’m completely heartbroken

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We’ve made the incredibly tough decision to close our restaurant with immediate effect.

Despite being packed every weekend, our costs have skyrocketed, and we can’t keep up with the debt. The figures just don’t add up, it’s no joke and it’s devastating the hospitality industry.

I’m holding onto hope for a change in the economy and in our industry, especially for small, independent businesses like ours.

About 1.5 years ago, I hit complete burnout and it took me a long time to recover I’ve learned I need to be kind to myself and those around me.

Thankfully, my passion for cheffing and Wholesome Junkies still burns bright once again.

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Running Wholesome Junkies as a solo woman has been a journey filled with challenges and triumphs for the last 7 years.

It’s my passion, my dream, and it’s been made possible by the most amazing team by my side who have put up with my quirky adhd ways. Their dedication, compassion, laughs, and support have made these two years on Mirabel St and all the adventures prior unforgettable.

We’ve built more than just a business; we’ve built a family.

We’re going back to our roots with events, weddings, popups, and festivals.

This summer is packed and I’m lucky to have most of our incredible staff joining me on this new adventure.

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We’re on the lookout for a new kitchen residency or popup spot. If you want some award winning burgers at your place, slide into our DM’s!

Keep an eye on our socials for updates on where we’ll be popping up next so you can still get your Wholesome Junkies fix. And if you want to stay in the loop, join our email subscription which you can sign up to on our website www.wholesomejunkies.co.uk

To our wonderful customers who’ve all become our friends along the years, thank you. Your support has kept us alive, and I’m forever grateful.

Please be kind and patient, this is still very raw and I’m still trying to process everything.

Much love and gratitude, Chelsea and the WJ Fam

News

Independent review into police actions during Manchester synagogue terror attack finds ‘no misconduct’

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant GMP synagogue attack

An independent review into the terror attack at a synagogue in Crumpsall last week has concluded there was ‘no misconduct’ by the police.

The investigation was carried out by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following the shocking knife and car attack, which took place last Thursday 2 October on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue.

Two men sadly lost their lives during the attack – Adrian Daulby, 53, who is believed to have been shot dead by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) while trying to stop the attacker from entering the synagogue, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, a worshipper who also helped stop the attacker.

The attacker has been named as 35-year-old Jihad al Shamie – a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent who lived in Prestwich – who at the time was on bail for an alleged rape, before being shot dead by police.

The IOPC says its investigation is ‘mandatory’ in situations where police use of force may have resulted in the death of a member of the public.

Their investigation looked at the actions and decision-making of the officers involved in the incident.

“Over the coming days, we will continue to review the substantial amount of evidence gathered up to now, and will begin the process of obtaining more detailed statements from police witnesses,” the IOPC said in a statment.

GMP’s Chief Constable, Sir Stephen Watson, says he ‘welcomes’ the IOPC’s finding that no misconduct is apparent in the actions required of officers in ‘bringing this dreadful attack to an end’.

GMP synagogue attack
An independent review into police actions during the Manchester synagogue terror attack has found ‘no misconduct’ / Credit: GMP

He said in a statement addressing the matter: “Our thoughts will always be with the families and loved ones of those directly affected by this tragedy together with the wider community across Greater Manchester and beyond. Our significant presence and determination to protect everyone from all faith communities across our city region will continue unabated.”

With the IOPC’s investigation into the incident still ongoing, CC Watson assured ‘GMP is committed to openness, transparency, and candour’.

“In respect of all our previous dealings with [al Shamie], and we have therefore asked the IOPC to include this aspect in their ongoing review,” CC Watson continued.

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“This includes previous reports of harassment, and an arrest for reports of rape over the past year, for which he was on bail at the time of the attack.”

Featured Image – GMP

News

Breakaway competition R360 issues statement after rubgy unions warn players of sanctions

Danny Jones Danny Jones R360 league respond to joint statement from rugby unions opposing breakaway competition

Prospective breakaway competition R360 have issued a response to the joint statement from multiple countries’ rugby unions, which has warned players of sanctions should they choose to join the new league.

While the vast majority seemingly remain opposed to the new concept, backing from certain key figures has resulted in the likes of the UK and Irish rugby unions, along with other key nations, sharing their unified stance against the potential rival.

Put in the simplest terms, the R360 model is rugby’s equivalent of what the proposed European ‘Super League’ was for football just a few years ago, with similar questions being raised around how it could jeopardise existing contests, player wellbeing and more.

Now, though, the new format – which has been largely backed and developed by former World Cup winner with England, Mike Tindall – delivered its own reply on Wednesday, 8 October.

Shared publicly to the press, the alternative tournament wrote: “It’s not always easy to embrace new opportunities, but as we’ve seen throughout history, it’s essential for any sport to grow. So many players love what R360 can do for them and the game, and we can’t wait to kick off next year.

“Player welfare is one of the key reasons for creating our global series, which will greatly reduce player load and capture the attention of a new generation of fans globally. We want to work collaboratively as part of the global rugby calendar.

“The series is designed with bespoke schedules for men’s and women’s teams and R360 will release all players for international matches, as written into their contracts. Our philosophy is clear – if players want to play for their country, they should have that opportunity. Why would the unions stand in their way?

“We look forward to submitting to the World Rugby Council for sanctioning next summer as planned.”

At present, R360 is due to hold its inagural season this time next year, with eight new male teams and four women’s sides expected to get underway from October 2026 onwards.

In addition to more lucrative contracts like those promised in the IPL (Indian Premier League) cricket, LIV Golf and the aforementioned albeit failed Super League, R360 is also set to offer a reduced playing schedule but one that would still tempt athletes away from their current teams to new franchises.

Although they have assured player care is an utmost priority, their health and fitness is one of my concerns put forward by the total eight rubgy unions who have urged current pros to stay away from the breakaway competition.

In case you haven’t seen the statement release by England, Ireland and Scotland, as well as France, Italy, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, it begins by “urging extreme caution for players and support staff considering joining the proposed R360 competition.”

Assuring that they welcome “investment and innovation in rugby”, they feel this particular idea won’t improve the sport but could instead “fragment or weaken it.”

Having assessed the proposals supposed value/addition to the “rugby’s global ecosystem”, it seems the fear is that the outcome will be a “net negative to the game”, with little to no detail as to how it can run alongside existing fixtures, assure proper management of player welfare and more.

As for Wales, despite opting not to put their name to the open letter itself, they have stated publicly: “The Welsh Rugby Union supports this statement, and we’re considering changes we may need to make to qualification rules in Wales as part of ongoing analysis following our recent consultation process.”

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The statement continues: “The R360 model, as outlined publicly, rather appears designed to generate profits and return them to a very small elite, potentially hollowing out the investment that national unions and existing leagues make in community rugby, player development, and participation pathways.”

It seems there is deep concern for how it could affect grassroots and the international rugby too, not just league and union, and have failed to full explain or help key organisations “better understand their business and operating model.”

Most notably, they sign off by adding: “Each of the national unions will therefore be advising men’s and women’s players that participation in R360 would make them ineligible for international selection.”

What do you make of the whole debate – do you like the current schedule/format as it is, or do you think there’s room for a new chapter in the rugby world?

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Featured Images — Rawpixel.com/Public domain

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