A SANDWICH shop chain with nine sites across the UK has abruptly closed two branches, in another blow to the high street.
Philpotts has closed two of its locations in Manchester, leaving just one location left in the city.
The cafe has closed two locations across the UK[/caption]
According to a report in the Manchester Evening News, a closing down sign had been placed on the window of its store in Spring Garden.
Meanwhile, it was confirmed that its Portland Street location had also closed down.
A note posted on business websites confirmed the closure had taken place last Thursday, February 20.
It read: “Unfortunately, our Portland Street and Spring Gardens stores will be closing permanently, and last orders placed for these sites will be for Thursday, February 20th.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Its Spinningfields site will be the last remaining branch open in the city.
Last year, the chain closed all of its branches in Scotland, which included a site in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The chain was bought by A.F. Blakemore & Son, a family-owned business, in 2019. as part of a rescue deal of its parent company Patisserie Valerie.
The news will come as a blow for Manchester locals who have had to wave goodbye to a number of high street brands in recent weeks.
The Hip Hop Chip Shop, once rated the second best in the whole UK, cited financial pressures and announced its closure earlier this week.
The chippy first opened in 2014 as a street food stall, before moving to a bricks-and-mortar site in Ancoats.
It quickly became one of the best reviewed in the city – and was even praised by American TV host Adam Richman last year, who visited during the filming of the Adam Richman Eats Britain show.
But bosses – including Jonathan ‘Ozzie’ Oswald, Luke Stocks, and Holly Oswald – have now confirmed they’ll be shutting up shop on March 2.
Taking to Instagram, Ozzie wrote: “After 11 years, we’re unfortunately joining the chorus of independent businesses in Manchester and beyond, calling it a day.
Elsewhere, Manchester based 63 Degrees also confirmed it was shutting up shop.
The beloved restaurant was hailed for its French cuisine and introducing more Parisian culture to the Northern Quarter.
It was a Michelin-recommended venue with glowing reviews from satisfied customers.
Founder Alexandre Moreau finally revealed earlier this month that his father, the Head Chef, and mother returned to France for health reasons.
TROUBLE FOR UK HOSPITALITY
It comes as a number of popular restaurant chains have closed due to diners having less money to spend on meals out
Britain’s “rudest restaurant” Karen’s Diner closed all its UK sites last year after its parent company, Viral Ventures UK, reportedly racked up more than £400,000 worth of debt.
TGI Fridays closed 35 sites after collapsing into administration last September.
More than 1,000 staff lost their jobs after a deal to save the chain excluded the struggling sites.
Private equity firms Breal Capital and Calveton UK stepped in to save the chain’s other restaurants, which now operate under the parent company Liberty Bar and Restaurant Group.
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
Many food and drink chains have been struggling recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses have been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant Papa John’s is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
