TNQ has been a part of Manchester city centre for decades
11:39, 02 Feb 2026Updated 12:12, 02 Feb 2026
The restaurant in the Northern Quarter has been open for 22 years(Image: Supplied)
A restaurant that was instrumental in the growth of the Northern Quarter has announced its closure after more than two decades in business.
The owners of The Northern Quarter Restaurant (TNQ) have issued a heartbreaking statement saying they can ‘no longer continue’ and have closed the doors of one of the ‘longest established independent restaurants’ in the city.
Founded in 2004 by Jobe Ferguson of the Liar’s Group of restaurants and bars, who was then later joined by chef Anthony Fielden, it has become known for its bold, contemporary British cuisine using the bet seasonal ingredients.
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Sharing the news this morning (February 2), the pair said the ‘current climate’ made running a restaurant ‘no longer viable’. They detailed how their energy bills and wage costs have ‘rocketed’ and food costs have ‘soared.
The full statement issued by TNQ read: “Unfortunately this is a heartbreaking situation where we have to close the doors to TNQ for good after nearly 22 years. We have got through the banking crisis, double dip recessions and Covid but the current climate has made the restaurant no longer a viable business.
“Our E-on bills are up to £8,000 per month, wage costs have rocketed particularly after the last two budgets, food costs have soared and business rates continue to increase. This has created a perfect storm resulting in the permanent closure of our beloved restaurant.
The Northern Quarter Restaurant is offering a three-course meal with unlimited wine for£28 on Mondays and Thursdays.(Image: Supplied)
“Last October we borrowed £100k which was personally guaranteed by 2 of the shareholders in order to try and weather the storm and 2 owners stopped being paid salary but unfortunately this wasn’t enough to save our restaurant.
“Our amazing team have worked blood sweat and tears over the years, grafted 80 hour weeks busting a gut to deliver our best for our guests. We are incredibly grateful to all our staff for their endeavours, loyalty, commitment and support over the 22 years.
“We are so sorry to all of them that we can no longer continue. We are committed to paying all our staff every penny they are owed. We are also working with our friends in the industry to find new jobs for everyone where we can.
“It is a truly gutting and heartbreaking situation. Thank you to all our partners and suppliers over the years, many of whom we have formed great friendships with.
“Finally, thank you to all our wonderful guests who have supported us over the years, many of whom we are proud to call our friends. We will be in touch with all our bookings in due course and we can only apologise that we can no longer accommodate you.
“Our restaurant has been busy and often fully booked but it’s just not enough to be a sustainable business. We are so sorry but this is goodbye from us at TNQ, one of the longest established independent restaurants in our magnificent city.
“Thanks E-on and thanks Rachel Reeves. Jobe and Ant Xx.”
In December, the much-loved venue was added in a prestigious food guide celebrating the very best places to eat in the country. Published each year, Harden’s Best UK Restaurants guide is the only one based on feedback from diners as opposed to professional inspectors.
Featuring thousands of restaurant across the country, it spans all types of budgets from street food vendors to fine dining spots, and the 2026 listing includes 53 Greater Manchester venues – including TNQ.