IN a week which has seen mega project Manchester Hall open its doors for an encouraging soft launch of its restaurant, The Masons, there has been a trickle of minnows announcing they're closing. First Caffe Lupo Italiano and now the rather wonderful Wonder Inn.
The owners of this quirky gem on Shudehill announced through its Facebook site they couldn’t afford to run it any more and it would shut for good on October 31. As at Lupo, they hinted there was a chance of relocating elsewhere. Which would be a boon for all the varied events it hosted from Guerrilla Eats to the Real Junk Food Project plus assorted off-the wall pop-ups and a strong wellness/yoga/organic presence.
Co-founder Kirsty Almeida, who revived the Grade II listed building opposite the Arndale, wrote on Facebook:
"As many of you know, it has become increasingly difficult to financially honour and heat the project and its wonderfully huge building and we have decided to return its keys. This decision has taken incredible consideration and is absolutely made with the twinkle of where and how we may co-create The Wonder Inn in the future.
"We transformed ourselves and 29 Shudehill’s wonderful Grade II listed building during a very special journey over the last 3 years which has led us and very many to meet incredible communities in Manchester, the North West and around the world. We created magic and light – together.
"We are very thankful and honoured to have had such wonderful premises in which to create our conscious programme and creative offering and we thank you all for your support, creativity, brilliance, trust and love.
"The Wonder Inn was made, grown and cared for by so many and the team who co-created it are warriors. We have built it with love and with the dream of a new world and for so many moments we were all there and will continue to be so. Thank you for supporting us and for believing in magic.
"We are certain that many of you will have incredible ideas of how The Wonder Inn can co-create its next existence, so please feel inspired to write to us and please join us in the coming weeks to enjoy our goodbyes to this special space.”
So not quite winding down yet. This weekend the Inn is hosting an extravaganza of music, dance and music from Project African Experience. Take part in celebrating the diversity of African and World cultures with Mancunian performers, including authentic dance and drumming workshops, live performances, vibrant DJs, food and drink, along with a few “surprises from the team”. Tickets for full day, workshop only and evening here.
Wonder Inn, 29 Shudehill, Manchester M4 2AF.
