A HIGH street favourite has suddenly shut two sites in the same city without warning, leaving customers concerned.
The popular lunch spot has a number of branches across the UK, but two in walking distance have shut within the same week.
Philpotts, the beloved sandwich shop, put a note in its shop window in both Spring Gardens and Portland Street in Manchester.
At the Spring Garden’s site, the sign read: “Unfortunately, this store will be closing permanently on Thursday, 20th February.
“We would like to thank you for all the custom over the years.”
The Philpotts website officially confirmed the closure, stating: “Unfortunately our Portland Street and Spring Gardens store will be closing permanently and last orders placed for these sites will be for Thursday 20th February.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Philpotts was known for its irresistible sandwiches and bakery items – offering a range of breakfast brunch delicacies.
From sandwich platters to cookies and fruit, the cafe was a high-street staple for anyone who wanted a quick bite or food on the go.
Customers have been left confused by the closures and some are left wondering what the fate of the other branches.
Located in the West Midlands, Yorkshire and Humberside and the North West, its unsure the future of these sites will be.
A Philpotts on Bothwell Street in Glasgow recently closed it doors for the last time.
When the Scottish store shut, customers were quick to post on social media to express their disappointment.
One wrote: “It’s been there for well over a decade, people have lost their job.
Another added: “The Caesar salad from here was amazing.”
A third customer responded: “My friend mentioned this yesterday! Devastated!!”
Philpotts isn’t the only restaurant struggling at the moment – the three Petersham UK restaurants are closing ahead of the looming tax spikes.
The michelin-hailed restaurants La Goccia, the Petersham, and the Petersham Wine Bar & Deli are all shutting their doors.
The Petersham, with its luxury decor, was even featured in the new Bridget Jones film, but has since been scrapped.
After the budget was announced, with more outgoing expenses and smaller profit margins, the Petersham Nurseries brand claimed it would not be able to sustain the restaurant trio.
Takeaways, pubs, and restaurants have all been hit lately – and not just by the budget.
Less public spending has also affected the hospitality industry, with thousands of venues shutting up shop.
Factors including the cost of living crisis, an increase in bills, and a rise in rent, has led to fewer Brits splashing the cash.
Without as much disposable income, fewer customers pour money into hospitality making it difficult to sustain.
It was revealed that six pubs were shut every week last year as they were hit by rising business costs.
The Sun has reached out to Philpotts for a comment.
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans
