Latest news with #FizBrown
Daily Mail
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Coronation Street star Jennie McAlpine confirms closure of her award-winning restaurant 'with a heavy heart'
Coronation Street star Jennie McAlpine has confirmed the closure of her award-winning city centre restaurant 'with a heavy heart' in an online social media post. The actress has announced the closure of her Manchester restaurant Annies via a social media update this afternoon. Located on Old Bank Street in the city centre, the gastropub and bar was co-owned by Jennie McAlpine, who has played Fiz Brown in Coronation Street since 2001, and her partner Chris Farr. The venue, which is ranked sixth on Tripadvisor for restaurants in Manchester, first opened in 2012 and served a range of dishes, including steaks, burgers, pies, salads, and fish. In what could be nod to the ITV soap, Annies also served a traditional hot pot featuring lamb and crispy potatoes. It comes after the venue has battled financial trouble for the past few years, and owed more than £537,000, figures from 2022 revealed. The last accounts show Fifth Floor Limited, the firm running the restaurant, was £318,000 in debt last year. Her post read: 'It's with a heavy heart that we've had to close the doors to Annies this week. We want to thank the amazing people, staff and customers who've been part of our Annies journey. 'Our whole team will miss all of our wonderful customers, who we have come to call friends.' The post has been met with an outpouring of love for the soap star and restaurant staff. Only last year, the restaurant was named among 'the best of the best' in the country at a prestigious awards ceremony. TripAdvisor unveiled its Traveller's Choice Awards Best of the Best Restaurants list in September, which recognises the reviewers' favourite dining spots of reviewers for 2024, with Annie's in Manchester named in the top ten. The dining spot was also previously named winner of the People's Choice award for best tea room at the Manchester Tourism Awards for its range of Afternoon Teas. One person wrote: 'So sorry to hear. I made it a last day tradition to come for tea when I visited Manchester. My profile photo was taken inside.' Another added: 'So so sorry to hear this Chris & Jennie. It's been a pleasure being your neighbours for so long. You will certainly be missed.' A third said: 'We loved Annies. It was our favourite place in Manchester. The food was amazing & the staff were always so lovely.
Daily Mirror
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Corrie star forced to close restaurant after 13 years as she shares sad post
Jennie McAlpine better known for her character, Fiz Brown on Corrie has shared her restaurant will be closing after decades Coronation Street star Jennie McAlpine has shut the doors on her beloved Manchester restaurant Annies after more than a decade in business. The actress, who has played Fiz Brown on the ITV soap since 2001, broke the news in a heartfelt post, saying it was 'with a heavy heart' she and husband Chris Farr had decided to close. The much-loved city-centre gastropub which the pair opened in 2012 was a hit with locals, even ranking in Manchester's top five restaurants on Tripadvisor before its closure. Regrettably, the restaurant's dedicated customers, who have been frequenting the place since 2012, are now left devastated by its abrupt closure. In a statement, Jennie and Chris told customers: 'It's with a heavy heart that we've had to close the doors to Annies this week. We want to thank the amazing people, staff and customers who've been part of our journey. Our whole team will miss all of our wonderful customers, who we have come to call friends.' The 'Corrie' star also expressed gratitude to loyal customers for their support over the past 13 years, sending them their "love and thanks". Annies earned great reviews for its homely dishes like steaks, pies, hotpots and afternoon teas, securing a top spot on Tripadvior's Manchester recommendations, even being named one of Tripadvisor's UK 'Best of the Best' restaurants last year. It also scooped the People's Choice award for best tea room at the Manchester Tourism Awards, cementing its place as a city favourite. Neither Jennie nor Chris have disclosed the reason for the restaurant's closure, but patrons have been swift to express their affection for the celebrated eatery. Fans were devastated by the sudden closure, with one writing "This is very sad news. One of our favourite places we've been too when us girls meet up - we've had afternoon tea, Sunday lunch, theatre and breakfast. You fit in nicely what ever time of our occasion." Another sad customer wrote: "It was the only place I felt comfortable in. The food was delicious, the decor amazing, and the whole place just had a wonderful feeling about it. I will miss Annie's terribly. It was also such a little busy place." The news comes just days after East Herts-based pan-Asian chain PEACH also announced it was shutting both its restaurants in Bishop's Stortford and Hertford after five years. Founders Dan Knowles and Leigh Keates told customers: 'With great sadness, we want to let you know that both restaurants have now closed. We're incredibly grateful for the support, kindness and loyalty you've shown us over the years - it has meant everything.'
Scottish Sun
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Coronation Street star confirms closure of restaurant after 13 years in heartbreaking post leaving fans devastated
The prestigious venue had won countless awards before its sudden closure 'HEAVY HEART' Coronation Street star confirms closure of restaurant after 13 years in heartbreaking post leaving fans devastated Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CORONATION Street star Jennie McAlpine has confirmed the closure of her restaurant after 13 years. In an emotional post on social media, the actress - who has portrayed Fiz Brown on the soap since 2001 - announced the shutters had come down for the final time on her Manchester restaurant Annies. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Jennie is best known for portraying Fiz Brown on Coronation Street since 2001 Credit: ITV The popular gastropub and bar, located in the heart of the city, was co-owned by Jennie and her partner Chris Farr. It was also held in incredibly high regard, ranking within the top five restaurants in Manchester on Tripadvisor just before its closure. Sadly, the restaurant's loyal fans, who have been piling in since 2012, have now been left heartbroken by its sudden shutting. Jennie and Chris' post read: "It's with a heavy heart that we've had to close the doors to Annies this week. "We want to thank the amazing people, staff and customers who've been part of our Annies journey. "Our whole team will miss all of our wonderful customers, who we have come to call friends." The star also thanked loyal patrons for their support over the past 13 years, sending them their "love and thanks". Annies served a range of dishes to satisfy pallets across Manchester, including steaks, burgers, pies, salads, and fish. A traditional hotpot featuring lamb and crispy potatoes also featured on the extensive menu. Not only had Annies found itself high on Tripadvisor's Manchester recommendations but it was also named among "the best of the best" in the country in September. Beloved steakhouse chain to shut ALL its restaurants after collapsing into administration with no explanation When the review site unveiled its Traveller's Choice Awards Best of the Best Restaurants - which recognised diners' favourite spots for 2024, Annie's was named in the top ten. It had also previously been named winner of the People's Choice award for best tea room at the Manchester Tourism Awards for its range of afternoon teas. Neither Jennie nor Chris have confirmed the reason behind the restaurant's closure, but fans have been quick to share their love for the famed restaurant. One heartbroken diner wrote: "This is very sad news. "One our favourite places we've been too when us girls meet up - we've had afternoon tea, Sunday lunch, theatre and breakfast. "You fit in nicely what ever time of our occasion." Italian restaurant chain closes ALL of its sites immediately after facing 'many challenges' AN Italian restaurant chain has closed down all of its sites after nearly six years on the high street. Officina 00 was a popular pasta joint with three locations across Covent Garden, Fitzrovia and Old Street. It charged around £15 for posh pasta dishes such as curly pappardelle and killer bucatini. Owner Elia Sebregondi took to Instagram last week to share news that the business was no more. He said: "It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that Officina 00 restaurants have now permanently closed. "I have done everything in my power to overcome the many challenges faced in the last few months, but despite all efforts I have been forced to close down." The news left diners heartbroken with many describing it as a "big loss". Another upset local said: "I can't believe this. I was just speaking to someone about how great your pasta was earlier this week." A third said: "This is devastating news. We loved visiting your restaurants." And a fourth person said: "The best pasta in London.. how sad for all." Another wished Jennie and Chris well in their next endeavours, adding they were "absolutely gutted" by the news of the closure. They wrote: "It was the only place I felt comfortable in. "The food was delicious, the decor amazing, and the whole place just had a wonderful feeling about it. "I will miss Annie's terribly. It was also such a little busy place." This comes just days after a beloved pan-Asian restaurant chain - known for its trendy dining and cocktails - announced it would be closing all of its locations. PEACH, a restaurant group based in East Hertfordshire, confirmed the immediate closure of both its sites after five years of serving customers. Founders Dan Knowles and Leigh Keates launched the business in 2020, with branches in Bishop's Stortford and Hertford. The pair gave no reason for the closure but said in a statement: "With great sadness, we want to let you know that both restaurants have now closed. "This was not an easy decision and certainly not one we took lightly. "We are incredibly grateful for the support, kindness and loyalty you've shown us over the years - it has meant everything."
The Sun
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Coronation Street star confirms closure of restaurant after 13 years in heartbreaking post leaving fans devastated
CORONATION Street star Jennie McAlpine has confirmed the closure of her restaurant after 13 years. In an emotional post on social media, the actress - who has portrayed Fiz Brown on the soap since 2001 - announced the shutters had come down for the final time on her Manchester restaurant Annies. 2 The popular gastropub and bar, located in the heart of the city, was co-owned by Jennie and her partner Chris Farr. It was also held in incredibly high regard, ranking within the top five restaurants in Manchester on Tripadvisor just before its closure. Sadly, the restaurant's loyal fans, who have been piling in since 2012, have now been left heartbroken by its sudden shutting. Jennie and Chris' post read: "It's with a heavy heart that we've had to close the doors to Annies this week. "We want to thank the amazing people, staff and customers who've been part of our Annies journey. "Our whole team will miss all of our wonderful customers, who we have come to call friends." The star also thanked loyal patrons for their support over the past 13 years, sending them their "love and thanks". Annies served a range of dishes to satisfy pallets across Manchester, including steaks, burgers, pies, salads, and fish. A traditional hotpot featuring lamb and crispy potatoes also featured on the extensive menu. Not only had Annies found itself high on Tripadvisor's Manchester recommendations but it was also named among "the best of the best" in the country in September. Beloved steakhouse chain to shut ALL its restaurants after collapsing into administration with no explanation When the review site unveiled its Traveller's Choice Awards Best of the Best Restaurants - which recognised diners' favourite spots for 2024, Annie's was named in the top ten. It had also previously been named winner of the People's Choice award for best tea room at the Manchester Tourism Awards for its range of afternoon teas. Neither Jennie nor Chris have confirmed the reason behind the restaurant's closure, but fans have been quick to share their love for the famed restaurant. One heartbroken diner wrote: "This is very sad news. "One our favourite places we've been too when us girls meet up - we've had afternoon tea, Sunday lunch, theatre and breakfast. "You fit in nicely what ever time of our occasion." Another wished Jennie and Chris well in their next endeavours, adding they were "absolutely gutted" by the news of the closure. They wrote: "It was the only place I felt comfortable in. "The food was delicious, the decor amazing, and the whole place just had a wonderful feeling about it. "I will miss Annie's terribly. It was also such a little busy place." This comes just days after a beloved pan-Asian restaurant chain - known for its trendy dining and cocktails - announced it would be closing all of its locations. PEACH, a restaurant group based in East Hertfordshire, confirmed the immediate closure of both its sites after five years of serving customers. Founders Dan Knowles and Leigh Keates launched the business in 2020, with branches in Bishop's Stortford and Hertford. The pair gave no reason for the closure but said in a statement: "With great sadness, we want to let you know that both restaurants have now closed. "This was not an easy decision and certainly not one we took lightly. "We are incredibly grateful for the support, kindness and loyalty you've shown us over the years - it has meant everything." 2
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Coronation Street icon announces Manchester restaurant closure
A Manchester restaurant owned by a Coronation Street star has announced its closure. Jennie McAlpine, who is known for playing Fiz Brown in Coronation Street, has announced today that her Manchester restaurant will close. The official Instagram page for Annies Manchester posted the news to the social media platform with a statement. It said: 'Annies closure. It's with a heavy heart that we've had to close the doors to Annies this week. 'We want to thank the amazing people, staff and customers who've been part of our Annies journey. 'Our whole team will miss all of our wonderful customers, who we have come to call friends. Thank you for the support you've given to us all over these years. 'With love and thanks, Chris and Jennie'. Fans of the restaurant rushed to the comment section of Annies Instagram post to share their sadness after hearing of the news. One commented: 'sorry to hear,always enjoyed my visits to Annie's x Good luck in the future x', adding a sad face emoji. Another commented: 'So sad to hear this. My visits to Manchester won't be the same', acing sad face emojis. This person said: 'So sorry to hear about this! Me and my family loved our time when we went here!' One customer shared their experience: 'I'm so sorry to hear this. I've visited Annie's many times and it's always been such a lovely experience'. Recommended reading: Bolton's highest-rated pub has 'great atmosphere' and 'nice prices' I had one of the best fish and chips I've had in my life at a chippy in Deane Bolton's highest-rated Indian restaurant serves 'fabulous food' The restaurant opened in 2012 with Jennie and her partner Chris Farr having 'talked about it (opening a restaurant together) for ages', she said at the time. At the time, Jennie, from Bury, added: 'He's always been involved as a restaurant manager and for the last two years we've been working on this.' She also explained why the pair had decided to call the restaurant Annies: 'We called it Annie's because of the location in St Ann's Square but I think also it's fitting because it's got the sort of feel to it like your Auntie Annie's house with comfortable sofas and a relaxed atmosphere.'
