Artisan and Manchester House close doors following ‘period of difficult trading’

It’s bad news for city centre restaurants Artisan and Manchester House Bar and Restaurant. Known as two of Manchester’s high-end drinking and dining destinations, it has today been announced that Living Ventures Group, who own the two popular venues, have taken the decision to put them both into administration.

In a statement released by the company, they said:

“Only Artisan and Manchester House Bar and Restaurant from the Living Ventures portfolio have entered administration, having suffered under difficult trading effecting the sector. The Administrators and Management will be working with employees and suppliers to limit impact and disruption.

“The remainder of the Living Ventures Group continues to trade normally, with revenues for the Full Year to March 2018 at c.£20m. The Group will focus on successful ventures such as Australasia, Grand Pacific and new projects such as Sunset by Australasia, which has had a strong start after launching in August this year.”

The news comes less than a year after Manchester House head chef Aiden Byrne decided to leave the restaurant for new venture 20 Stories. Byrne, who was awarded a Michelin Star in 2002, was with Manchester House since they opened their doors back in 2013 – and was replaced by his long-term prodigy Nathaniel Tofan late last year.

Talking about his move at the time, Aiden said: “I’ve had a great time at Manchester House and am very proud of what we’ve achieved. I know that the business is in safe hands” but unfortunately the restaurant and bar wasn’t as safe as previous head chef Aiden thought as they have struggled financially and as a result have today ceased trading.

“Trading at Artisan and Manchester House Bar and Restaurant has been much lower over the summer, and like many other restaurants, we have struggled with balancing rising costs and high rents, together with localised access difficulties,” said Jeremy Roberts, CEO of Living Ventures Group.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our brilliant and hardworking teams; we are currently contacting all affected employees and looking into available roles in other parts of the Group.”

Just last night, Jeremy was awarded The Howard and Ruth Award for Outstanding Achievement at the Manchester Food and Drink Awards, which recognises individuals who have contributed something outstanding to the food and drink industry in Greater Manchester over the last 21 Festivals.

All social media accounts for both brands have been deactivated and show only grey eggs.

Anybody with reservations at Artisan and Manchester House Bar and Restaurant will be contacted and offered alternative options at one of the other restaurants in the Group. Gift cards issued by Artisan or Manchester House Bar and Restaurant will be redeemable at Australasia Restaurant until March 31st, 2019.