The owner of Tampopo has criticised the setup of this year's Manchester Christmas Markets, saying a new barrier has effectively cut off his Albert Square restaurant from the festive crowds. David Fox, who runs the Tampopo group, has spent £3,000 decorating the front of his restaurant for Christmas, only for a large barrier to separate the markets from the pedestrianised route outside his door.
Barrier 'blocks off' restaurant from markets
Fox said the barrier has pushed Tampopo and neighbouring businesses on Lloyd Street out of the main markets. He also expressed frustration that a stall selling katsu loaded hash browns has been placed directly opposite, which he feels is unfair given that katsu curry is one of Tampopo's signature dishes.
In a social media post on Friday, Fox wrote: "I wish @ManCityCouncil would think about local operators next to the Christmas Markets." He tagged the GM mayor Bev Craig and MP Lucy Powell, adding: "You know hospitality is tough. Please don't make it worse."
'Like the flipping outsiders'
Fox told the Manchester Evening News he is glad the markets have returned to Albert Square but is concerned about the new barrier. "It now feels like an unwelcoming, physical barrier to what's in there," he said. "What it does is leave a rubbish little corridor that we are trying to make all festive, but we're like the flipping outsiders."
He said there had been "no consultation" about the setup this year and urged the council to talk to local businesses. "We're just asking to be consulted," he said. "They should be sensitive to local businesses who are here all year round and pay their rates all year round."
Sales down but markets welcomed
Fox said sales at the Albert Square Tampopo have been down year-on-year, though he welcomes the wider return of the markets for driving footfall. "I do welcome the Christmas markets, I'm not being bah humbug, I think they're fabulous, particularly now we've got Albert Square back," he said.
Asked what the council could do, Fox said: "Don't put a Katsu operator on the square would be number one, and think about how welcoming the square is all around." He added: "You're taking business away, business from businesses that have been battered for the past seven years around Albert Square."
Manchester council has been contacted for comment on the issues Fox raised.
