Manchester council is closing the Piccadilly Gardens street food market on October 22, forcing traders such as Falafel King to relocate to Lincoln Square when the Christmas Markets open next month. Beyond December 22, however, their future remains uncertain.
Falafel King has traded at Piccadilly Gardens for a decade, serving a flurry of customers six days a week in one of the city's busiest spots. The team would prefer to stay, but matters have been taken out of their hands.
Traders unsure about 2027
Speaking to many of the traders last week, each seemed to have different ideas about what their future would look like in 2027. One trader said they might reopen at Lincoln Square in February, another suggested March. Some traders said they were not sure if they would be reopening in Lincoln Square beyond the Christmas Markets at all.
The council says it 'understands their uncertainty'. With Lincoln Square being a new addition to the Christmas Markets this year - some nine years since it last hosted those iconic festive stalls - some of the small businesses that have built their reputations in the bustle of Piccadilly Gardens fear their new home could be particularly quiet.
Fears over new location
"We are so sad," said Badr Khayal of Falafel King. "It's not easy. We've been here for 10 years. Now we are having to go and start again, make new customers. It won't be easy. We are worried. Maybe the new place will not be the same, especially with rents."
The closure comes as campaigners grow worried for one of Manchester's grandest buildings, the old Theatre Royal on Peter Street, which has stood empty for 17 years. A full decade has passed since its owner last made a public statement on the building.
Prisoners slam conditions
Elsewhere, freed prisoners have slammed the conditions at HMP Forest Bank, in Salford, with one telling our reporter John Scheerhout: "It's f***ing horrible mate. People are just trying to make the best of a bad situation."
Those who left the prison were met by volunteer John Astley of the Old Lags Group, who had previously spent time behind bars at Forest Bank. "Being behind walls, we see what you don't see which is horrific sometimes and it's not what human people should do," he said.
Colombian greasy spoon review
In Stockport, Adam Maidment went down to the 'Colombian greasy spoon' that's rustling up a feast at Cafe Sanjuan, an unassuming little spot tucked away on St Petersgate. After being asked for a recommendation, owner Luis Sanjuan said he could not pick just one item because that would be 'like picking a favourite child'.
Adam opted for a patacon sandwich he described as a 'triumph' - and the picture would certainly seem to back that up.
