The Allotment, an award-winning vegan and vegetarian restaurant in Manchester city centre, has announced its sudden closure and plans to transform the venue into an Irish pub called The Sheridan Fiddle. The restaurant, located behind Manchester Cathedral, will serve its last meal on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Closure Announcement and Transformation Plans
In a statement released on Wednesday, July 8, Anthony Sheridan, CEO of The Sheridan Group which owns The Allotment, revealed the decision to close the restaurant and reopen it as a premium Irish hospitality venue. The Sheridan Fiddle will feature traditional homemade Irish food, Guinness, selected wines, and live Irish music.
Over the past decade, The Allotment has won multiple awards, including Best Vegetarian Restaurant in the North West, Best Vegan Restaurant in the UK for two consecutive years, and was ranked the 47th Best Vegan Restaurant in the World.
Personal Motivation Behind the Change
Sheridan explained that the restaurant was originally created to help his son, Anthony Jnr, who was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. This led him to research plant-based food and open The Allotment. He stated: "The Allotment will always hold a special place in my heart because it represents hope, family and believing in something bigger than ourselves. Like every successful business, there comes a time to evolve."
He added: "Rather than closing its doors, we’re investing in its future. Over the coming months, The Allotment will be transformed into The Sheridan Fiddle." Sheridan noted that his son is now healthy, living in Dubai, and running his own gym.
Impact and Future
The Allotment has been a staple in Manchester's dining scene, known for its healthy plant-based versions of popular dishes. The venue will close on July 17, and The Sheridan Fiddle is expected to open at a later date. Sheridan emphasized that the commitment to making people feel welcome will remain unchanged.
He concluded: "To every single person who has visited us, supported us, recommended us, celebrated with us or simply believed in what we were trying to create… Thank you. You haven’t just supported a restaurant. You’ve been part of our family’s story."
