I'VE been worried about that sign above the Portland Street Red Chilli for some time. It says the place is temporarily closed due to 'equipment breakdown'.
If we are to lose in Manchester our two fine Red Chillis then we should weep for the loss.
Now Insidermedia are reporting the Red Chilli group is in administration.
If we are to lose in Manchester our two fine Red Chillis in Chinatown and in the University/Hospitals district of Oxford Road then we should weep for the loss. There are also restaurants in Liverpool and Leeds. They should weep as well, because these restaurants have been lauded locally and nationally.
In our Best of Chinatown article in September last year we wrote of Red Chilli's Chinatown outlet:
'This snazzy, sub-street level Chinese restaurant combines some of the area’s finest food with originality and flair. The bright, cheery decorations include bird and flower glass panel lights suspended from above, while square mirrors line the walls. Multi-award winning Red Chilli provides classic favourites alongside authentic Beijing and Sichuan dishes and an unusual selection of cold starters, such as Red Hot chilli pork stomach shreds and poached tofu with sesame oil and spring onion. The restaurant specialises in seafood - try the crispy seabass with sweet vinegar or the entertainingly titled crispy yellow croaker with tomato sauce for a truly individual treat. Vegetables are also exceptional, particularly the Beijing pak-choi. If you’re feeling more chilly than chilli, look no further than the lamb and molly clay pot, a thin yet hearty stew, or for more exotic try the Husband and Wife Lung Slices'.
Insidermedia says: 'Mark Beesley and Tracy Clowry, of Beesley Corporate Solutions, were appointed as joint administrators of Red Chilli Restaurant Ltd on 24 April 2015. Beesley Corporate Solutions declined to comment as to the reasons for the administration, but the company said its Leeds branch in Great George Street, its George Hudson Street operation in York and its Oxford Road restaurant in Manchester were all open for business.'
That sounds hopeful at least. But there's no mention of the Chinatown restaurant.
Red Chilli is part of the flamboyant Stewart Yip's portfolio of businesses and restaurants which also includes the Chi Yip wholesale business, North Manchester's beloved Ocean Treasure in Middleton and the impressive and new Sakana on Peter Street.
Confidential sincerely hopes Red Chilli survives. The restaurants make a significant contribution to North West and Yorkshire dining scenes.
