‘The adventure is over unfortunately’: 63 Degrees closes

David Adamson 12 February 2025

French restaurant, part of the culinary rise of Northern Quarter, now no more

63 Degrees, the family-run French restaurant that played a central role in the rise of the Northern Quarter’s culinary reputation, has closed.

Speaking to Confidentials, founder Alexandre Moreau confirmed that the restaurant has now permanently closed as both his mum and dad, Head Chef Eric, have returned to France following a period of ill health.

This follows a period of uncertainty post-Christmas as to whether the popular spot would reopen, with a sign outside the door reading “The restaurant 63 Degrees will be closed from the 22nd December to the 11th January 2025.” The second date was then amended to “30th January”.

2025 02 12 63 Degrees Closes Body Pic — **63 Degrees** Image: Confidentials

Founder Alexandre Moreau told Manchester Confidential: “We had a nice run. You [Confidentials] were the first to talk about the restaurant, and we got famous thanks to Jonathan’s review at the time.

“I am glad my parents have retired now. My dad was spending six days a week in the kitchen and got to the point where his whole body was hurting. He had a hard time finding people he could trust in the kitchen so he could not delegate that much.

“My mum’s health got worse in November last year so they decided it was time to stop and go back to France. Nothing you can do unfortunately. Life will do that to all of us at some point.

“They have closed the restaurant now and handed over the lease to the landlord. The adventure is over unfortunately. They had a great run, but it’s a difficult job at that age.”

Founded in 2011, the Moreau family set up the restaurant to bring ‘A Taste of Paris’ to a corner of Manchester that didn’t enjoy the culinary reputation then that it does now.

It was reviewed by The Guardian Weekend magazine’s food pages editor, Bob Granleese, back in July 2012, who with the blind snobbery typical of the London press at that time, declared “Manchester's Northern Quarter isn't the first place you'd head for a fancy French meal. Come to think of it, Manchester full stop isn't the first place you'd look for one of those.”

Hmm. Not a good look for a paper proudly founded in Manchester.

2025 02 12 63 Degrees Closes Body Pic 2 — **63 Degrees** Image: Confidentials

Another publication proudly founded in the same city, your very own Manchester Confidential, sent editor Jonathan Schofield to review the restaurant, who looked beyond the wider environment and found a charming restaurant with equally charming dishes.

“This was good. So very, very good,” he began.

“If you've not been to 63 Degrees then please hasten there asap. Change your plans. Go.

“I liked this place when it first opened in 2011 and after a seven month or so hiatus in visits, I've returned and it's even better.

“Its location is a curious one, on Church Street in the Northern Quarter, just down from the Arndale, and subject to an eclectic cast of characters passing the door. But this somehow fits as well. Indie of spirit, indie in personality you could say. As stated above, if you've not been cancel some plans. Visit the place.”

It’s fair to say that many did visit the place, and it’s sad that this will no longer be the case.

Confidentials wishes Alexandre, Eric, the Moreau family and all at 63 Degrees the best in the future, and thanks for the food.

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