Food & Drink
Manchester’s legendary Cafe Metro forced to close after four decades
They had initially looked to relocate but had been unable to ‘find a premises that enabled them to offer customers the same service and pricing.’
Cafe Metro, situated on High Street in the city centre, has announced its closure on social media.
The family run business, operated by father and son duo George and Michael Stavrinou, has closed its doors for good after four decades trading in the city.
Cafe Metro first opened its doors in 1982 before relocating to its High Street location on the edge of the Northern Quarter after the IRA bomb in 1996 destroyed its former site. It closed permanently on Christmas Eve 2022.
The family said they had initially looked to relocate but had been unable to ‘find a premises that enabled them to offer customers the same service and pricing.’
In a Facebook post they said: “It is with regret and great sadness that we announce the closure of Cafe Metro.
“We have come to the end of our lease and the landlord’s plans to redevelop means that we can’t stay.
“Although we have looked to relocate we have not been able to find premises that come close to enabling us to offer our customers the same service and pricing.
“With Christmas Eve being our last day, George, Michael and the family would like to thank all our customers for their valued custom and support over the last 25 years, we’ve enjoyed serving you and will miss our chats about life in general, families, cars, F1, football, you name it we’ve probably talked about it.
“Thank you to our valued staff for your hard work and support, particularly now in our final week and last but not least Aida who has been part of the Cafe Metro family for over 20 years – thank you for all your hard work and support until the very end.
“We wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas, Happy New Year 2023 and the very best for the future.
“Goodbye for now.”
Commenters on the post shared their love for the cafe and their sadness upon hearing the news. Amanda Jane Pritchard said: “ Gutted, my first job after leaving school was at Cafe Metro. Loved my job. Town won’t be the same. Take care and good luck in all you do.”
Raimonda Arne said: “Such a shame it’s closing. I have some lovely memories working there back in 2006 when I was a student. Good luck, George, Aida and Michael.”
Thekla Sotiriou said: “The end of an era. Such a loss to Manchester! Wishing you all the best in all that comes next. Sending all our love and best wishes.”
Food & Drink
Popular Turkish restaurant set to open second site in Manchester city centre
Manchester is set to boast an exciting new Turkish eatery
A Lancashire-based Turkish restaurant loved for its authentic cuisine is set to open a second venue in Manchester.
Ottoman Bar & Grill is set to be the latest addition to Manchester’s ever-expanding and bustling food scene.
Becoming the second site, it will open at Affinity Living’s Riverside complex situated on the edge of Salford, across from Spinningfields, making it the family-owned eatery’s first in the city.
The family already have a well-established venue in their hometown of Chorley that’s famous among locals – where regulars flock to sample dishes of authentic Turkish cuisine.
The restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner at its new Manchester location.
Opening in February next year, diners can expect menu highlights including the delicious chicken and lamb shish kebabs, freshly made bread and hummus and specials such as the lamb butterfly – as well as a delightful selection of vegetarian dishes.
The decor will feature elegant furniture against a striking colour theme with vibrant pampas grass, giving the perfect ambience to enjoy an exquisite dining experience for any occasion.
Ugur Ansin, director at Ottoman Bar & Grill, said: “We cannot wait to open the doors to our Manchester city centre restaurant in Affinity Living Riverside next year.
“We’ve built a solid reputation in Chorley for providing the best quality food alongside a second-to-none service.
“My team has invested their decades of experience as butchers and working in Turkey’s top restaurants into Ottoman – creating a truly authentic dining experience.
“Manchester was the natural next step for us in opening a second restaurant, and we’ve got big plans to take our dining experience nationwide in the next few years. See you very soon Manchester.”
Food & Drink
Morrisons is doing half price fish and chips at all of its cafes today
The chippy tea will be available for £3.50
Morrisons is offering half price on fish and chips in its cafés today to mark Black Friday.
The supermarket chain will be dishing up the bargain meals on Friday, November 24th so shoppers can take advantage of a great saving in the huge day of sales.
There’s just one catch – and we’re not talking about the fish – the price of a plate of fish will be slashed by 50% for Morrisons’ More Card holders.
The Fish & Chips meal includes a freshly battered fish from Morrisons Market Street, with a portion of hot golden chips and a side of mushy peas to complete. Usually costing seven quid, More Card holders will get it for £3.50.
Diners at Morrisons café can also add a side of bread and butter for £1 and finish off with a sweet treat of Bramley Apple Crumble for £3.
Chris Strong, Morrison’s Café Buying Manager said: “Bargain hunting on Black Friday can certainly work up an appetite, so why not pop into one of our cafés for the ultimate catch of the day!
“A whopping 50% off our customer favourite Fish & Chip café meal. Available for one day only… you’ll need to be quick!”
The supermarket offered 50% off its fish & chips back in June and shoppers flocked for a fish supper which cost £3.49.
Last week the chain unveiled its new Christmas Menu for 2023 with a variety of festive options costing from £4.
The menu includes the Festive Turkey Feast Toastie (£4.50), The Festive Stack Chicken Burger (£7.00), and two or three course roast dinners with all the trimmings (£10 & £12).
Vegetarian and vegan alternatives also feature on the set menu, so there’s something for every shopper to enjoy.
Families can also continue to take advantage of the Kids Eat Free offer when purchasing an adult meal over £4.50, available all day, every day in Morrisons cafés.
The half-price fish and chips offer will be available in its 395 cafés nationwide on Friday, November 24th 2023 whilst stocks last. The discount is available for More Card holders.
For more information click, HERE.
Food & Drink
Pub chain launches gravy ice cream sundae with FREE carvery for anyone who finishes it
It’s all gravy
A popular pub chain is dishing out a free carvery to anyone who can finish its new limited edition dessert challenge.
Greene King has launched a new limited edition Carvery Sundae – which consists of a sweet ice-cream dessert smothered in lashings of hot savoury gravy.
The unusual take on a sweet and savoury-style dessert will be available for two Sundays only – November 26th and December 3rd.
The challenge is available at 40 participating sites across the UK, including five pubs in Manchester. Those taking part will have to finish all of the the hot and cold dessert to win a free carvery.
Challengers will have a choice of two flavoured sundaes: the ‘Ultimate Ice Cream Sundae’ which consists of two scoops of vanilla and chocolate ice cream, lava cookie, Twix, Malteasers and Smarties.
Or, the ‘Choctastic Sundae’, which consists of one scoop of vanilla and chocolate ice cream, lava cookie, Twix, Malteasers and Smarties. Either choice will of course come with a generous pouring of the brand’s own gravy to top it off.
The pubs that are getting involved in the gravy sundae madness around Greater Manchester include: The Barlow Croft in East Didsbury, Beach in Littleborough, Bee Hive in Bolton, Mottram Wood in Hyde and Red Robin in Wigan.
Sophie Howells, Marketing Manager for Greene King Pub & Carvery, said: “The Carvery Sundae is the perfect balance of sweet and savoury, featuring two types of ice cream, and a wide range of toppings.
“The hot gravy might not be for everyone, but it certainly makes for a unique experience.
“Best of all, if you finish it, you get your next carvery on us. Once you’ve polished off your Carvery Sundae, a team member will give you a receipt to redeem a carvery meal the next time you’re in the pub.”
To take part in the challenge and be in with a chance of winning a free carvery, customers will need to ask for a topping of gravy on their sundae when they order.
The limited edition Carvery Sundae is available on Sunday, November 26th and Sunday, December 3rd at selected sites only.
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