Major UK restaurant loved by the rich and famous to close | UK | News
Puccini hosts football stars Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville (Image: Google Street View)
The restaurant, loved by sports stars and celebrities, announced that it is closing after more than 40 years. Italian restaurant Puccini is a popular spot with former football players. Ryan Giggs And Gary NevilleHe even had a dish named after him – Penne alla Neville.
Sylvester Stallone I had dinner restaurant Swinton, Greater Manchester, during a break in filming a Warburtons commercial in Bolton in 2015. Other famous faces who have dined there include former prime minister Lord David Cameron, Sir Alex Ferguson, Sven-Goran Eriksson and boxers Joe Fraser and Roberto Duran.
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Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville had dinner at the venue (Image: Getty)
The restaurant opened in 1982 and has been run by Michele Pucci since 1990. He told the Manchester Evening News he had no choice but to close completely.
Mr Pucci, 65, said rising costs, difficulties finding trained staff and the ongoing impact of the Covid pandemic were hurting trade. He said: “Business is dying. Swinton is dying and we are dying in Swinton. I’ve tried really hard to keep it going but the council does nothing to support local businesses and the landlord doesn’t care.”
The businessman said the restaurant will not reopen after the current three-week holiday. He thanked customers for their support and helping keep the business going for so long. Mr Pucci said the local area was deteriorating, parking was “very difficult” and older patrons were dying while young people dined at the new venues.
He added: “We still have loyal customers and we wouldn’t be here this long without them, but that’s not enough to keep going. Sometimes it’s still busy at weekends but it’s quiet during the week and I still have to pay for staff.”
Sylvester Stallone dined at the restaurant while taking a break from shooting a Warburtons commercial (Image: Getty)
Mr. Pucci said that after the pandemic, many people found better-paying jobs with more social hours outside the hospitality industry.
He said the Labor Government’s increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions, VAT, rent, business rates, energy costs, wages and demands from suppliers had also had negative consequences.
News of the closure comes after UK Hospitality warned more than 2,000 people barsRestaurants and hotels could close their doors in 2026 unless the government makes industry-wide changes amid “staggering” increases in incoming business rates.
The trade body has revealed what the April 1 increase in property taxes will mean for hospitality companies. As a result, it is estimated that 2,076 companies may close, while 293 restaurants, 574 hotels and 540 bars are at risk of being forced to close.
It was stated that this was equivalent to the closure of six accommodation venues every day. The Government is expected to announce a package of changes within days to help pubs, amid a backlash over the impact of rate rises on the industry. a big u turn In the November 26 budget plans.
But UK Hospitality Chairman Kate Nicholls said this should also be extended to hotels and restaurants facing significant increases.
Mr Pucci said of the end of his business: “This is our little kingdom and it’s going bankrupt. I’m sorry we have to close, but it’s affecting my health now. I’ve been working 60-70 hours a week, six days a week for the last year and a half. Money comes and goes, but I have to take care of my health.”
Approximately 15 full- and part-time roles at the restaurant will be affected by the closure. In the back seat, Mr. Pucci said he would help his wife open her own coffee shop and wine bar.
A Salford Council spokesman said: Manchester Evening News Swinton has many strengths but, like other cities, it needs investment and regeneration to realize its potential.
