counter free hit unique web ‘Biggest sushi restaurant in North’ suddenly closes down after just 6 months as owners bemoan ‘difficult decision’ – open Dazem

‘Biggest sushi restaurant in North’ suddenly closes down after just 6 months as owners bemoan ‘difficult decision’


THE “BIGGEST” sushi restaurant in the North has suddenly shut down after being open for just six months.

Unagi Media City in Salford Quays, Greater Manchester, has announced it will be closing immediately.

Crowded interior of a sushi restaurant with many paper lanterns.
Media City

Unagi Media City has announced it will close immediately[/caption]

Exterior of Unagi restaurant in Salford Quays.
Tripadvisor

The restaurant had opened just six months ago[/caption]

The huge venue has only been open for six months and was one of the most well-known sites of Japanese chain Unagi.

It claimed to be the “biggest sushi bar in the North” when it opened and blended futuristic design with pan-Asian snacks and street food.

In a statement shared on the restaurant’s Instagram page, it announced its newest location in Salford Quays would close in order for the chain to be able to focus on its other “thriving” venues.

It said: “Dear friends, sadly, we must announce that we won’t be extending our stay in Salford Quays and will be closing Unagi Media City with immediate effect.

“It’s been a tough decision but it will enable us to focus on our thriving Unagi’s in Altrincham, Wilmslow, Didsbury and Cheetham Hill and get rolling on some exciting new openings in Manchester later this year.

“A huge thank you to all our wonderful team and every guest we have welcomed. Onward we roll!”

The restaurant also said it would try and redistribute its Media City employees across its other outlets.

“We will redeploy as many of our amazing team as we can and want to thank everyone for all their efforts and incredible service,” the statement added.

Unagi had opened the modern venue, its fifth Greater Manchester site, in Media City last year.

Described as a “stunning space” packed with neon and paper lanterns, the restaurant also had an open kitchen where you could watch chefs professionally cook your meal.


Its menu was packed with pan-Asian snacks, street food, and a range of sushi platters that were critical to Unagi’s continued growth and success.

The restaurant chain has rapidly expanded in recent years and currently has locations in Altrincham, Wilmslow, Cheetham Hill, and West Didsbury.

This closure comes just weeks after a family-favourite restaurant suddenly collapsed just 18 months after it opened.

Rio Brazilian Steakhouse in York quickly became a town staple when it opened as the seventh venue from the chain.

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.

The incredibly popular restaurant attracted a 4.7-star rating from 262 reviews on Google Maps.

Customers described it as “a great experience” with “the best meat available.”

Loyal diners took to Facebook to express their sadness at the loss of the venue.

One wrote: “Gutted. It really was one of the best places to eat in York.

“It’s a pity more people didn’t discover it and keep it open. I will miss this place and the wonderful staff that were second to none.”

Another unhappy customer added: “Such a shame, loved the place and was hoping to go again soon.”

A third disappointed diner wrote: “Really sorry to hear this, came for the first time the other week and the food was all lovely.”

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