Up-market cocktail bar ceases trading less than two years after opening for business

An up-market cocktail bar in central Manchester has closed its doors less than two years after opening for business.

Roc & Rye, which was based in Spring Gardens, announced this week the uncertain economic climate has forced it to close.

The closure is the latest in the city which has been hit by the downturn in customer spending.

The bar was launched in July 2017 by couple Maritza Haydon and Matt Bonner with the support of friend and bar consultant Sean Finnegan.

At the time the venue described itself as the city’s ‘sassiest’ bar.

Maritza Haydon said: “Sadly Roc & Rye has been forced to close its doors.

“Matt and I found that the sector, like so many others, has been under a lot of strain with the ongoing uncertain economic climate; the latter of which had become increasingly difficult to navigate with all of its challenges.

“Matthew and I fought extremely hard to keep the business going for as long as possible but ultimately we felt that it was time to close the doors.

“On the last day, we hugged all our staff and they wished us well for the future; we have received nothing but messages of support from the people that we worked within this industry and our staff have gone on to do jobs that they continue to be passionate about.”

She added: “As this was a family business, Matthew and I are now looking forward to taking time out and spending time with our two young children before we move forward into our next job roles.

“Inevitably, we will remain within a sector of which we are both extremely passionate about.”