Spinningfields restaurant Beastro has closed after two years

Beastro in Spinningfields made a name for itself over the past couple of years with its hearty breakfasts, great value lunches and dinners offering a modern British menu.

Their recently launched Sunday lunch was one of the best in the city.

But sadly, the neighbourhood restaurant run by Richard Brown and James and Heather Taylor has now closed.

“It is with a heavy heart we write this, a message we never dreamt we would have to,” the Beastro trio said in a statement.

“With great sadness and disappointment, we have taken the decision to close Beastro with immediate effect.”

Beastro was formed during the final phase of The Kitchens competition, Allied London’s innovative dining concept providing space for up and coming start-ups, chefs and street food traders, which launched in spring 2014.

Bangers and Bacon was one of six traders to be shortlisted, taking a unit at Leftbank for the 12 month competition period, before being crowned the ultimate winner and earning a permanent unit on the estate.

“Beginning from our street food background, with the help, support and guidance from Allied London we were able to establish Beastro in Leftbank,” said James.

“We are hugely grateful for all the support and help we have had.”

Sadly, the costs of running the restaurant have proved too much.

“Just after celebrating our second birthday we had hoped that some issues and setbacks we have faced would be able to be turned around,” said the Beastro team.

“We had hoped we could work hard as possible to work our way out of the difficulties as we have done previously. Unfortunately even with all our best efforts, it has proven to be unsustainable to continue trading.

“We began Beastro with an ambition to grow and a passion for hospitality, a dedication to incredible ingredients and a love for honest cooking. We are hugely disappointed to be leaving in this way.

“We want to be honest and transparent in our reasons for the closure and want you to know that this decision has not been taken easily, we have been working tirelessly to find a solution to turn this around and make it a success.

“Unfortunately, due to a incredibly difficult trading period, the costs of running Beastro have made it impossible to continue.

“We have taken a number of steps to try and improve the business from event catering to special menus, opening additional nights and a huge focus on marketing and social media.

“Even with all our best efforts we have been unable to find a solution to enable us to continue.

“We wanted to end this now before the situation became worse, we hope that you will understand this is the last thing we wanted to happen.”

The loss of Beastro will be certainly felt by their loyal fanbase, who will miss their hearty food (six sausages as a starter? Yes please) and friendly service.

“Thank you, Spinningfields for an incredible two years in Leftbank, and to the incredible people of Manchester and beyond,” said the Beastro team.

“Thank you to our regulars, our suppliers, and our team especially as without them there would not have been, Beastro.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to feed, serve and know you all.”

It’s not the end for this tireless team, though.

Fans of Beastro’s good, honest dishes can travel to The Bulls Head in Heyside, Oldham, which James and Heather have recently taken over. The menu includes the likes of hand raised pork pies, liver and mash, and rag pudding.