Earlier this week, three popular Greater Manchester venues announced their shock closures citing the tough economic climate as the reason why.
Vegetarian cantina Yakumama in Todmorden and city centre bar Font took to social media to let their customers know that they were closing up shop. Ramsbottom’s critically acclaimed Catalan restaurant Levanter also revealed huge changes for the business, citing the overall cost of doing business.
Yakumama, owned by Hannah Lovett and Marcy Sandoval, started life as a street food stall in 2014 before they opened their first bricks and mortar venue in the market town of Todmorden. They took over the former Co-op building on Rochdale Road in 2019 after a successful crowdfunding campaign and offered a Latin American inspired menu of seasonal small plates, brunches and cocktails.
Their initial statement posted on Facebook at the end of last week read: “With very heavy hearts, and weary heads, we are so sorry to say that Yakumama at The Old Co-op will be closing as of the end of January.
“It’s been a long old road to get us to this point but it’s for the best. It’s been a struggle financially and emotionally for some time now, due to all the reasons that everyone knows about. We’ve really dug our heels in and worked hard to get over the hurdles we’ve faced, but this can only take us so far.
“The emotional and financial input required to get it where it needs to be, just isn’t in us right now, and we need to prioritise our health and a more balanced life. Sometimes, I think you have to leave something where it is, accept that it happened and was really good for a time, but that it’s better if it doesn’t continue, and that’s been an extremely hard thing to come to terms with.”
They signed off by thanking staff and customers, with the reminder, “We are open for four more weeks, so please come get involved and see us off with a bang.”
Many regular customers immediately expressed their dismay at the news resulting in a rush of bookings for the last few weeks of service.
Hannah posted a follow up message saying, “Thank you everyone for your kind messages and emails, I’m not gonna lie I’m completely overwhelmed and unable to respond to most right now, there are hundreds. I will try get back to all requests asap but also need to prep so bear with me.”
The bar also encouraged guests unable to reserve a table to come down for drinks, and a dance around 9pm after most people have finished eating. Yakumama’s final service will be brunch on Sunday 29th Jan.
Meanwhile, longstanding Manchester institution The Font, a bar adjacent to Manchester’s Oxford Road station, also announced that was to close after 22 years with immediate effect. Known widely for its eccentric candy garnished drinks such as unicorn juice and £1 cocktails, the news came as quite a shock to many.
Representatives from The Font posted a statement on social media which said:
“Unfortunately the impact of COVID, followed by the cost of living crisis has taken an insurmountable toll and while this is tough news for sure, we feel comforted by the memories of the last 22 years and the countless awesome times we’ve had here!
Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou to all our staff, customers and friends past & present, your support has meant the world.
All bookings will be contacted in time. Plus if you have any remaining credit on your app you can still spend it at The Font, Chorlton who will remain open.”
The Font closed its bar on Wilmslow Road, Fallowfield, back in 2018 – before the pandemic – but The Font on Manchester Road in Chorlton is still open for business.
Ramsbottom tapas bar and restaurant Levanter, which is recommended in the Michelin Guide, also had some bad news for customers – although, delivered with a glimmer of hope. In a move owners Joe and Fiona Botham are calling ‘hopefully just a readjustment for the Winter’, the team have had to take the hard decision to hibernate the Smithy side of their business – the Bar & the Comedor Dining Room, for the foreseeable future.
“We’re hopeful this will just be for the quieter Winter months & we can fire it up again once the warmer weather kicks in for spring/summer & demand for the outside tables on Square St kicks in too,” they said in a Facebook status update.
“We’ve tried everything possible to avoid this scenario – but you know the script I’m sure – the overall cost of living and cost of doing business situation both (understandably) have seriously reduced demand & simultaneously led to huge rises in our costs from every angle – but undoubtedly & most seriously the UNTENABLE hike in energy prices. We could probably just about handle everything else but that’s the killer blow. It’s impossible to keep all our doors open for now.
“BUT…” they continued, “please be assured, & TELL YOUR FRIENDS the OG Levanter restaurant at 10 Square Street, Ramsbottom BL09BE remains OPEN! Weds/Thurs 5-close, Fri/Sat/Sun 12-close where our AMAZING team are ready to welcome you! Please support us if you have plans to eat out, you can book ahead via levanterfinefoods.co.uk or just drop in for a walk in anytime…your gift vouchers remain valid.”
The Smithy Street side of the business was known as ‘Baratxuri’ before merging with sister restaurant Levanter last year and has received rave reviews from national critics including the Guardian’s Jay Rayner. Baratxuri went on to set up pop up kitchens at Escape to Freight Island and The Bungalow at KAMPUS. Those missing a taste of Joe’s wood fired txuleton steaks and sizzling prawns can now enjoy then at Exhibition in Manchester city centre where Baratxuri now resides.
