Popular roasters shut flagship coffee shop ahead of move
Popular Manchester city centre coffee shop Grindsmith has closed on Deansgate.
The award-winning roasters, who started with a crowdfunded pod on Greengate Square in 2013, opened in the Great Northern complex on Deansgate soon after, followed by another site in MediaCityUK in 2016.
We can't lie, 2018 was our toughest year on record...
The trendy spot - recognisable for its huge artwork of Breaking Bad's Walter White by notorious Manchester graffiti artist Akse - has proved a favourite hangout for city professionals, creatives and bean buffs in recent years, while also offering a shared co-working space for freelancers at the rear.
However, 2018 proved a tough year for co-owners Luke Tomlinson and Peter Gibson, which culminated in the closure of their flagship coffee shop at the end of the year.
Speaking to Confidential, Tomlinson said: “It has been a monumental year for Grindsmith filled with incredible highs, challenging lows, exciting expansion and ventures into pastures new.
“We can't lie, 2018 was our toughest year on record. We were dealt with contractor issues, financial strains and hit with the news that Grindsmith Deansgate had to close at the end of the year due to renovation works around the Great Northern Warehouse complex.
Despite the setbacks, Tomlinson remains upbeat about moving Grindsmith forward, with a new site due to open on Bridge Street, as well as a new online store and app.
“Grindsmith has come back stronger," says Tomlinson, "and through all the challenges we have managed to achieve some fantastic milestones, thanks to our incredible customers, awesome colleagues and forever loyal family and friends.
"We've been able to open the Grindsmith Coffee Roastery, go out to origin and meet the incredible Colombian farmers that grow our beloved coffee, prepare for the launch of our brand-new store on Bridge Street and launch both an online store and app to improve our overall customer journey and to make our product more accessible."
The new Bridge Street coffee bar and brunch spot - featuring a horseshoe shaped bar area, a living plant wall, a 'theatre kitchen' and a 'floating botanical raft' (we've no idea either - but sounds interesting) - is due to open later in January.
"We have something very exciting on the cards for an iconic feature," adds Tomlinson, "so keep your eyes out for more news in the next few weeks."
Follow @grindsmiths on Twitter to find out more.
