City Centre Pizzeria Closes After 22 Years

City centre pizza establishment Croma has closed its Clarence Street restaurant after 22 years, blaming the COVID pandemic and the redevelopment around Albert Square for its demise.

A true Manchester independent stalwart, Croma was set up by Andrew Bullock and Bob Dunn in 2000 after they left the Pizza Express franchise on South King Street (now also closed down).

~ Advertisement ~

A lack of footfall over the festive period as a result of the Christmas Markets having been moved elsewhere in town, coupled with construction taking place immediately outside their front door, the increased costs of running a restaurant simply could not be met; a problem now facing many independent restaurants in the city centre.

28 members of staff have been redundant although the closure does not affect their Chorlton, Prestwich and Didsbury restaurants.

They have also stated they are now on the lookout for a new city centre venue but have no immediate plans to return in the current business climate.