‘I’ve seen things come and go - but this is meant to stay’: Shock at closure of much-loved eateries

Hulme is reeling following the sudden departures of two long-standing and well-loved eateries.

The owners of Hulme High Street staples The Corner Plaice fish and chip shop and Roy’s Original Sweet Dish takeaway claim they have been told to leave their premises by landlords on Wednesday night (March 13) and Thursday morning (March 14) respectively. Both say they were not given a notice period and do not owe rent.

Emails seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service appear to back up claims from chippy owner Tracy Roachford that was told to go immediately, whereas Roy Hibbert, takeaway proprietor, claimed he found out by finding a letter duct taped to his shop’s shutters.

“It’s the fact that it’s two prominent community members that’s a bit shocking,” reflected Tracy, 60. “We are a community in Hulme.”

“I saw the eviction notice on the door on Wednesday morning,” added Roy, 54.  “I’m here for the public. I don’t owe anyone anything so I don’t know why they’re doing this.  I don’t know what they’re doing but it should have never come to this. Never. It’s not right.”

As tough as the news has been for the duo — who have 32 years of market experience between them — they have taken some comfort from the reaction of locals. Shortly after the news emerged, images of Hulme Tenants Union members protesting the decision were published on social media, with Coun Ekua Bayunu also present.

Residents remained nearby for the majority of Thursday. One of those was Mario Culperar, a lifelong Hulme man. 

“Tracy’s place means a lot to a lot of people, even if it means kids from school come to get their chips, you can smell it down the road, it’s part of the community just like a lot of things,” the 56-year-old said. “Even Roy’s, I’m sad for him, he’s been here for ages, everyone loves Roy just like Tracy. 

“So much has changed through the years here but this was supposed to be the continuation and it’s not. They’re getting rid of people one by one. I was born here, I’ve seen things come and go. But this is meant to stay.”

Lolo Jones, three decades younger than Mario, also has a strong attachment to the chippy. She added: “What’s important is that when a fish and chips place is owned by someone in Hulme.

“People come here to get their food, to sit and talk — and that’s the difference between local places and corporate establishments. They already know the people, and you know your money is going to people who put food on the table and to pay their rent. That’s what this place represents.”

What remains unclear is what will replace the units — and when the businesses will close. Both opened as normal on Thursday without issue, and it’s understood neither has been given a formal move-out date in the future.

The landlords, Hulme Space Management Ltd and Groupe Geraud, did not respond to a request for comment.