Gary Usher is handing over the keys to one of Didsbury’s best-loved neighbourhood bistros.

After a decade at the helm of Hispi, the Elite Bistros founder has announced he is stepping away, with the restaurant set to enter a new chapter under the ownership of Sam Morgan and chef Andrew Sheridan of Open Restaurant Group.

Sharing the news on Instagram, Usher reflected on ten years of building what has become a staple of the south Manchester dining scene: "It’s been a wonderful ten years owning Hispi & I believe we created a beautiful neighbourhood local.”

Since opening in 2016, Hispi has built a loyal following thanks to its relaxed neighbourhood feel, consistently strong cooking and unfussy approach to dining.

Along the way it regularly featured in lists of the UK's top 100 restaurants, while remaining the sort of place locals returned to for birthdays, celebrations or simply a plate of blade of beef with truffle chips, followed by a slice of custard tart.

Looking back, Usher said he was equally proud of the people who helped shape the restaurant over the years: "I’m proud of the places many of the team have gone on to work in or even open themselves. You know, I’m just proud we were there ten years."

The announcement also marks the end of Usher’s time operating a restaurant in Manchester, as he thanked diners for supporting not only Hispi, but his wider ventures and crowdfunding campaigns over the years: "Manchester, you’ve been brilliant to me, you’ve supported my businesses, my ideas and my crowdfunding."

Hispi's future is now in the hands of Sam Morgan and chef Andrew Sheridan, whose Open Restaurant Group operates a growing collection of restaurants across the UK.

Usher added: "I’m chuffed to be handing Hispi over to Sam Morgan & Chef Andrew Sheridan of Open Restaurant Group. Didsbury, you’re in for a treat with these guys."

Before the handover, diners have one final chance to visit the restaurant in its current form, with Usher encouraging guests to book a table before the changeover: "Thank you & please come and see us before we close on Sunday, August 9th."

What comes next for Hispi under its new ownership has yet to be revealed, but one of Didsbury's most established neighbourhood restaurants is set to begin a fresh chapter.