UPDATE: The hungry Duck is now under new ownership and serving once again with the new owners posting this message:

"I'm sure most of you have noticed the restaurant being closed the last few weeks, well we are excited to announce that we are close to completing our to-do list and will be throwing the doors open on Friday 17th Dec for the first time! We cannot wait to be involved in this great community and looking forward to meeting you all. There is some availability still left for December if you wish to get booked in before the New Year. Feel free to pop your head in and say hello to us over the next fews day as we get ready to reopen!

Many Thanks,

Ellen, Thomas & Team."

We originally wrote:

It appears that award-wining Ramsbottom restaurant The Hungry Duck has closed just before Christmas. The restaurant is up for sale.

The Hungry Duck was one of a group of restaurants in the area that contributed to the stellar reputation Ramsbottom has among foodies.

The restaurant had reportedly struggled throughout lockdown and had not received enough government support. In order for the business to survive, staff branched out selling Hungry Duck products via its Facebook page.

After much thought I have reached the heart-breaking decision to sell

While details are sparse, a few clues can be found across social media. In a local Facebook group, comments reveal that staff were made redundant with no warning and customers with bookings had not been informed.

The restaurant's own social media does not state that it is closed and has not been updated for nearly two weeks. It is still accepting bookings via facilitator The Fork.

180212 Hungry Duck Ramsbottom Hungry Duck Sign 2 — **Interior of The Hungry Duck** Image: Confidentials

On TripAdvisor, user C14r3t5 said: "This place has closed down and the owner didn't tell any of the customers who were booked in to dine that evening. Pretty disappointing to waste everyone's time."

According to Companies House, one of the directors resigned at the beginning of November and a confirmation statement is overdue.

More about The Hungry Duck

Our review wrote in 2018, "What does our gussied up bistro bring to the party? Comfort and a restless spirit, not obvious bedfellows. It’s food that is technically adroit, not over-elaborate but is obviously responding to a changing roster of raw materials, rooted but in no clichéd way."

Confidentials Guides writes, "This small, simple space with classy marble-topped tables and dark modern-style bentwood chairs, scatter cushions and candles for a soft edge, calls itself a neighbourhood bistro, dishing up modern cuisine inspired by classic techniques."

The entry for The Hungry Duck in the Michelin Guide reads: "Black and white photos adorn the walls of this sweet neighbourhood bistro, which is split over two levels and run with plenty of purpose by its owner, Joe. Hearty, seasonal dishes are cooked with care and full of flavour"

Hungry Duck In Ramsbottom Is For Sale Credit Rightmove — **The Hungry Duck is now for sale** Image: Rightmove

The restaurant itself is now listed on the commercial property section of Christie & Co for £150,000. The description reads:

"An attractive 42 cover restaurant occupying the ground and basement floors of a two storey mid-terrace property, of brick construction beneath a pitched slate covered roof.

"A 'buzzing' bistro of a simple contemporary style, the Hungry Duck has a wonderful intimate feel, and holds a Michelin Plate Award.

"The Hungry Duck has been under the current ownership since 2015 and is being offered to the market due to other obligations."

Hungry Duck In Ramsbttom Has Closed Credit Rightmove — **Table set at The Hungry Duck** Image: Rightmove

Owner Joe Kaczmar previously told The Business Desk:

“The Hungry Duck continues to be a source of pleasure and inspiration for me, and the consistent delivery of double-digit growth is the reward of passion and hard work.

“However, after much thought I have reached the heart-breaking decision to sell. The Hungry Duck has an incredible team, customers and suppliers and the community around Ramsbottom is fabulous and I will very much miss everything about it.

“I believe that The Hungry Duck is very well positioned to build on its continued momentum through increased customer capture, re-introduction of the much lamented brunch offering – which was lauded by our regular clientele, and the inevitable invigoration and fresh perspective that a new operator could bring.”