Rosso, the Italian restaurant co-owned by former Manchester United footballer Rio Ferdinand, has announced a shock closure after a final service took place yesterday (September 17). The restaurant located at 42 Spring Gardens, at the top of King Street, has been open for almost 14 years but has decided to close its doors with immediate effect.
Announcing the news on social media, Rosso said: “It is with mixed emotions that we announce the closure of our Rosso Restaurant & Bar. Last night, after nearly 14 years, we were delighted to hold a final service for our wonderful customers.
“It wasn’t an easy decision to close this wonderful restaurant which has flourished into an icon of the Manchester restaurant and social scene. It feels like the right time to go out at the height of our popularity and look ahead to new horizons.
“Rosso wouldn’t have been the same without our wider family, suppliers and our wonderful customers whom we have had the enviable pleasure of serving. We could not be more grateful to our Champions League winning staff both past and present. Our thanks go out to each and every one of them for making Rosso what we are today.
“We always believed we should close Rosso on a high and we thank each and every one of you for being part of our championship team. From Rosso with Love, Ciao for now.”
Rosso, which is the Italian word for red, was first opened in the city in 2009 by the former Manchester United and England footballer, Rio Ferdinand. The restaurant and bar was situated in the stunning Grade-II listed Lancashire and Yorkshire Bank building at the top of Manchester’s King Street.
Following its opening in 2009. Rosso quickly became a popular haunt for celebrities, hosting Manchester United Christmas parties held there. Photos of the hundreds of celebrities who visited Rosso used to adorn the walls, before the restaurant transitioned from red, black and grey interiors (a nod to the Manchester United colours) to more understated white and gold styling from 2017.
In recent years, Rosso had gained a reputation for its stunning displays for the festive season such as thousand of gold bulbs illuminating the facade alongside a Christmas tree and baubles. Rosso restaurant, whose closure will be with immediate effect, was also decorated for Valentine’s Day with a red rose wall and a 3D metal heart placed in the fireplace.