Manchester's vibrant Northern Quarter has been rocked after a third trader announced it is leaving the city centre hotspot in the same day. Atkinsons Coffee has announced it is closing its café at Mackie Mayor.
The Lancaster-based trader has been part of Mackie Mayor since its reopening as a food hall in 2017. The specialist coffee firm will continue trading in its home city.
In a post on Instagram confirming the news today (January 13), a spokesperson for Atkinsons Coffee said: "Today we bring you the sad news that we have made the tough decision to close our Manchester café at the Mackie Mayor. We would like to thank all our customers who have supported us over the years and amazing baristas who have all done us proud in what has been Atkinsons first venture outside of Lancaster in 180 years.
"In 2017 we opened at the Mackie as a test bed to showcase world class coffee on cutting edge equipment, from SP9s to Nitro. We’ve roasted our own on our restored 1919 Uno roaster and delved into the cocktail world with our coffee and tea cocktails.
"We’ve been lucky to be a part of the Manchester coffee community, hosting Aeropress Championship, Machines launches and latte art throw downs. Now, turning our attention to our Lancaster locations, this will be our last week trading at the Mackie.
For those of you who only know us in Manchester do come and visit us in Lancaster to see our amazing portfolio of cafés in iconic buildings and the fabulous heritage of the Shop and eco roastery you will receive a warm Lancastrian welcome." The news means the Northern Quarter has seen a hat-trick of closures announced today.
Oklahoma, a Northern Quarter institution of more than 25 years, has announced it will be closing its doors for the last time on January 31. The shop on High Street, famous for its quirky gifts and handmade goods, will continue as an online business.
Founder Nicola Payne said: "The last three years have been ones of upheaval and change for Oklahoma with Covid bringing many problems and opportunities. Mainly it made me focus on our online offering which was exciting for me and allowed time for new creative focus and ideas.
"As a result, we were able to reach lots of new customers all over the UK and aboard and share a little of the Oklahoma magic. Since the bricks and mortar shop reopened I have been juggling two businesses and now feels like the perfect time to close our physical shop and focus all my energy on our website offering, exciting new products and collaborations."
Plant shop Flourish has also announced it is closing its stall on Tib Street, at the side of the former Debenhams, on January 21. The closure comes as part of the redevelopment work set to take place at the Rylands building.
Flourish's other stores at Deansgate Square in the city centre and Barlow Moor Road, Didsbury, will continue trading. The trio of Northern Quarter closures announced today also follow the recent closure of nearby Café Metro, opposite the Arndale on High Street, after more than 20 years in business.
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