Jennie McAlpine’s Restaurant Closes with Nearly £500,000 Debt

Coronation Street star Jennie McAlpine and her husband Chris Farr have announced the closure of their restaurant, Annies, in Manchester, leaving behind debts approaching £500,000. The couple revealed the closure in July 2023, citing financial difficulties that have significantly impacted the business since its opening in 2012.

Following the closure, documents obtained by the Mirror disclosed that Annies’ total liabilities amount to £498,764. This figure includes approximately £28,000 owed to staff for holiday and redundancy pay. The couple is expected to lose around £411,941 they invested into the restaurant through director’s loans, according to filings with Companies House.

Financial Overview of Annies

The restaurant, which garnered acclaim over the years, was recognized as one of Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best restaurants in the UK last year. Despite its popularity, the financial strain became insurmountable. As part of the liquidation process, a notice of statement of affairs indicated that Annies had £8,722.49 in estimated assets, primarily earmarked for employee pay. The document specifies an estimated total deficiency of £498,764.51 against creditors, highlighting the challenges facing the once-thriving establishment.

Among the various claims, £20,000 is listed for employee redundancy and pay in lieu of notice (PILON), alongside £11,125.32 owed to the landlord. The substantial debts have left many employees and patrons devastated, as Annies was a beloved dining destination in Manchester.

Community Response and Future Implications

In a heartfelt message shared via social media, McAlpine and Farr expressed gratitude to their staff and customers. The statement read, “It’s with a heavy heart that we’ve had to close the doors to Annies this week. We want to thank the amazing people, staff and customers who’ve been part of our journey.” The couple emphasized how much they would miss their “wonderful customers,” who they regarded as friends.

Fans expressed their disappointment online, with many sharing fond memories of their visits. One patron lamented, “So sorry to hear about this! Me and my family loved our time when we went here.” Another commented, “I am absolutely gutted; it was my favourite place for afternoon tea.”

The closure of Annies marks a significant change in the local dining landscape, reflecting broader challenges faced by the hospitality industry in recent years. As McAlpine and Farr navigate the aftermath of this closure, the future remains uncertain for both the couple and the community that cherished their restaurant.