'People think it's greed, but it's all about staying open'

The owners of a popular restaurant near Greater Manchester have issued a plea for customers to ‘support local independent businesses’ after a difficult few years. Just this week alone, it has been reported the popular burger chain Almost Famous has closed down all of its sites , whilst the Seven Brothers brewery also closed one of its popular beerhouses. Responding to the news of Almost Famous’ closure, the All Hopes No Promises restaurant, based in Preston, said it was a ‘tough’ time for the industry and the owners said they were ‘expecting it to just get worse’.

Run by Michael Evans, the Lancashire burger restaurant and cocktail bar - on St Wilfrid Street in the town centre - has been in operation since 2020. But Michael, who was previously at the helm of Blackpool venue Pastels, said the five years since opening have been difficult. Posting on Facebook in a bid for people to understand the realities that many venues in the hospitality industry are currently faced with, he wrote: “5 years has been tough! Covid, rising costs across all aspects of the business & a tightening in everyone’s pockets making it difficult that people can’t dine out as much.



Burger joint and cocktail bar All Hopes No Promises in Preston has been running since 2020 (Image: All Hopes No Promises) “The reality is people think its greed with price increases, however it’s all about staying open and keeping our amazing staff employed.” During lunchtimes, All Hopes No Promises offers a £8 meal deal which includes a burger, fries and a drink on Wednesday to Friday. But, despite it proving to be popular with diners, Michael said they ‘make no profit’ from the offering - but it keeps things ticking along.

“Our lunchtime offer £8 makes no profit, but it helps us have a day trade to keep going,” he explained. “To think back 8 years ago we could sell a burger and fries for less than 5 quid and still be in profit, shows how quick stuff changes. Huge message to everyone [to] go support all your local independent businesses where possible.

” The news was met with an understanding and respect from some of the venue’s loyal customers and local residents. One person praised the restaurant by commenting: “Keep going mate." Another said: "I'll have to nip in soon, food looks mint.

" Last year, venues like Mary & Archie, Green’s, run by Simon Rimmer, and Simon Wood’s beloved WOOD were amongst the very many to be forced to call it quits across Greater Manchester. This year already, The Botanist in MediaCity, Bury's Crowded House and the Damhouse Tea Room in Wigan are amongst some of the well-loved venues to have decided to shut down..