Manchester restaurant blames business rates as it closes after 22 years

Independent neighbourhood restaurant TNQ in Manchester has closed after 22 years of trading, blaming the “imminent increase in business rates”.

In a post on Instagram, Jobe Ferguson and chef Anthony Fielden, the founders of the Northern Quarter restaurant, said despite being busy and “often fully booked” was “just not enough to be a sustainable business” amid rising costs.

They said: “After almost 22 years - we are unfortunately closing the doors to TNQ for good. We’ve made it through the banking crisis, double dip recessions and COVID but the current climate has made the restaurant no longer a viable business.

“An increase in energy bills, wages, soaring food costs and the further imminent increase in business rates have created the perfect storm resulting in the closure of our beloved restaurant.”

They added: “We want to thank all of our partners and suppliers over the years, many of whom are now friends of ours. Also thank you to the amazing team who have shed blood, sweat and tears throughout the years.”

The closure comes after the Treasury announced its business rates U-turn will be limited to pubs last week.

Chef Tommy Banks told The Caterer the industry was “already at a crisis point” and warned the tax rises will accelerate the number of closures.

According to the latest data, hospitality venues suffered an average of four closures per day in the last quarter of 2025.