Living Ventures have abruptly wound up operations in Tower 12 citing financial difficulty
Spinningfields restaurants Manchester House and Artisan have both been closed in a sudden and unexpected move by hospitality group Living Ventures.
Confirming the news to Confidential on Tuesday, CEO Jeremy Roberts blamed 'poor summer trade, rising costs and high rents' for the closures.
Administrators Duff & Phelps have been appointed by the Knutsford-based company - which also operates Blackhouse, Grand Pacific and Australasia in the city centre.
A spokesperson said the group had been impacted by the "general difficulties affecting the dining sector" and that "localised access issues", namely a "faulty lift" in Tower 12, had exacerbated the problem.
The closures put around 140 jobs at risk, though Roberts says the group are “currently contacting all affected employees and looking into available roles in other parts of the group.”
A statement issued by Living Ventures says that the remainder of the group - which now comprises eight bars and restaurants - "continues to trade normally, with revenues for the full year to March 2018 at c.£20m."
Meanwhile, customers with reservations will be contacted and offered alternative arrangements, while purchasers of gift vouchers will be able to redeem the amount at Australasia until 31st March 2019.
The closures come during what should have been a celebratory week for Roberts, who was this week awarded the ‘Outstanding Achievement’ at the Manchester Food and Drink Awards 2018.
More to follow...
