ANOTHER one bites the dust. It’s becoming a habit this autmn for high profile city centre restaurants and bars to go under. The latest is Grill on The Alley, whose Living Ventures stablemates Manchester House and Artisan went into administration a few weeks back.
It’s part of a ‘restructure’ by bLV sub-division Blackhouse Restaurants, whose statement said: "We are confident that our creditors will support our proposals and following this process we will be in a position to make a success of a smaller but high-quality portfolio."
Some 30 staff could be hit by the proposed closure of the steakhouse, on Ridgefield off John Dalton Street, expected to happen by the end of the year, but sister steakhouse Grill on New York Street will continue to trade – as will Grills in Leeds and Glasgow. The Ridgefield site has long been earmarked for redevelopment.
All this comes only a year after both the Manchester venues relaunched their offering with a spring lean of the interior and a new meat menu. We remember fondly the There is also the introduction of ‘The Butchers Block’ initiative – Himalayan rock salt aged beef, cut and weighed at your table,
The rest of the statement read: "Blackhouse Restaurants Limited can confirm it is seeking a Company Voluntary Arrangement with its creditors. As part of this process we are closing our London restaurant, Grill on the Market, with immediate effect.
"We are also proposing to close one of our Manchester restaurants, Grill on the Alley, following consultation with staff and ahead of the building’s planned redevelopment by the landlord next year.
"Any customers with reservations in Grill on the Alley who may be affected will be contacted and offered a transfer to our other Manchester restaurant, Grill on New York Street. It is our intention to refund any customer deposits paid in advance for bookings at the two restaurants affected by these plans.”