A much-loved restaurant in south Manchester has been put up for sale due to 'unforeseen health reasons'. The Gherkin in Levenshulme, which has helped people with its community and charity initiatives, announced the news on Facebook yesterday.
The neighbourhood restaurant recently extended its ‘pay what you feel’ policy in the wake of the continuing cost of living crisis - though the initiative was first set up in response to the refugee crisis in Ukraine. One of the co-owners of the popular vegetarian restaurant has said he hopes the buyer will keep on the existing team.
The post written by co-owner Jamie Whittaker read: "Due to unforeseen health reasons of one of the directors, it is unfortunate that we are having to put The Gherkin up for sale. As you know, we have worked tirelessly to make The Gherkin what is has become today and have been incredibly proud of what it has achieved, through the many obstacles thrown at us since taking over the premises in 2019.
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"The venue, its staff and its customers have become an intrinsic part of the community and for all we have achieved, we have been very fortunate.
"Whilst the business is set up 50:50, this is what Chris did to protect me as Gherkin was my idea. He, however, is the 100% financial backer and so any buyer needs to buy him out of Bescoby & Whittaker."
He added that there has been some interest already. "Until a buyer has been found, we will continue with business as usual", he added.
Many in the comments expressed their sadness at the news while others suggested a crowdfunder to save the restaurant. One wrote: "So gutted to hear this. The Gherkin and Inspire are the 2 best places for the community in Levenshulme."
Another person in the comments said: "Ahhh man. Stressful times! You’ve created such a force for good in such a small space of time, made a real mark. It’s an amazing achievement. I’ll keep everything crossed that someone will come through and let you carry on doing the magic that you do."
While another commented: "We need to crowdfund this and save it, you have worked so hard. I know how it is I was in the same boat after Covid, such a shame and I hope something can be done to keep your dream alive Jamie xx."
The Gherkin was set up with the vision to bring healthy, sustainable, vegetarian and vegan food to Levenshulme in a space that would bring people together and cater for all members of the community. As well as its 'Pay as you feel' initiative, it also offers free food for refugees and asylum seekers on Mondays, and also houses a 'Kindness Cabinet', which encourages visitors to donate to others in need, whether it be money, clothes, books or toys.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News about the sale, Jamie said: "Obviously Chris' health is the most important thing in all this. And then the restaurant is so important to the community and to me.
"We've had a bit of interest already so we've got our fingers crossed. I'm hoping that a buyer would carry it on as The Gherkin.
"We might end up doing a Crowdfunder though if someone doesn't like the idea of The Gherkin being the way it is and just wants to buy it. So, because it means so much to the community, we might crowdfund it and do shareholders."
Any interested parties in buying the business is urged to contact chris@thegherkin.org.uk or call 07368808870.
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