A restaurant backed by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has announced its sudden closure amid ‘challenging’ trading conditions and increased costs.
Catalan-focused dining spot Tast was opened in 2018 following investment from Guardiola, who teamed up with Manchester City CEO Ferran Soriano and the club’s former director of football Txiki Begiristain.
The restaurant, located on King Street in Manchester city centre, was headed up by Michelin Star chef Paco Pérez and aimed to bring a taste of Guardiola’s native Catalonia to the city.
However, in a statement posted on social media, the team announced they had made the ‘difficult decision’ to close this week, shutting its doors for a final time on December 20.
They added that the closure comes due to ‘exceptionally challenging’ trading conditions and ‘increased costs’.
The restaurant wrote on social media: ‘Like many in the hospitality sector, we have faced exceptionally challenging trading conditions and increased costs.’
They added: ‘Above all, we are proud to have been able to share some of Catalunya, our beloved country, with the people of Manchester.
‘Between now and our final service on 20 December, we look forward to welcoming you and celebrating what Tast has always been about: great food, great people and memorable moments shared around the table.’
The three-storey restaurant, which was launched by independent group Fazenda, boasts a casual dining and bar area on the ground floor, a first-floor dining room and a second floor with private rooms offering a tasting menu.
Guardiola has been known to dine in the restaurant over the years, having been pictured there with his players, former Manchester City staff, and his wife, in what is a taste of home for the Spaniard.
The top chef, Mr Pérez is one of Catalonia’s stand-out chefs and is known to be a master and ambassador of Catalan gastronomy, with seven operating restaurants with five Michelin stars.
But despite the chef’s pedigree and the backing of the Manchester City boss, the restaurant is bidding farewell to its King Street home, to the sadness of its customers.
Reacting to the news, one diner said: ‘It was a lovely restaurant, the staff were always so friendly and attentive, food was always good, but King Street prices, it’s a tough time for hospitality out there at that end of the market.’
Another added: ‘A sign of the times really, I’m afraid seven years is actually a long time for a restaurant.
‘Only 50 per cent last over five years and 17 per cent only last a year.’
A third wrote: ‘Genuinely devastated, my favourite restaurant in Manchester.’
The venue also answered disappointed diners’ questions over gift vouchers they will no longer be able to use.
The restaurant wrote: ‘Dear guests, thank you for understanding as navigate this situation.
‘For all of you who purchased gift vouchers, and unredeemed vouchers after the 20th of December will be refunded automatically.
‘Please bear with us as the process will take 14 working days from the 21st December.’
