The gleaming, award-winning bathrooms at Rudy's Neapolitan Pizza in Manchester's Northern Quarter have become such a draw that they're causing a major headache for staff and diners alike. The restaurant has been forced to issue a public plea after its facilities became an unofficial tourist stop, with people popping in solely to use the loo.
The problem has reached a tipping point, with large groups and even guided tours descending on the popular eatery. This influx of non-customers has led to lengthy queues, leaving genuine patrons who have paid for a meal waiting uncomfortably.
'Our Toilets Are For Customers Only'
In a good-humoured but firm notice posted on its doors, the restaurant management clarified its position. The sign reads: "We are a small restaurant & our toilets are for customers only. We don't have the capacity for the public. Thank you for your understanding."
This move highlights a growing issue for city-centre businesses with high-quality amenities. Rudy's, which won Loo of the Year awards in both 2019 and 2022, never anticipated its facilities would become a destination in their own right.
A Victim of Its Own Success
The situation presents a unique challenge. While the awards are a point of pride and a testament to the restaurant's cleanliness and design, the resulting publicity has created an operational nightmare. Staff are now having to politely turn away members of the public whose sole purpose is to visit the now-famous bathrooms, detracting from the experience of those there to enjoy the restaurant's critically acclaimed pizza.
The incident serves as a cautionary tale for other businesses investing in premium facilities, reminding them that sometimes, success can come from the most unexpected places.
