Rosso, the Italian restaurant co-owned by former Manchester United footballer Rio Ferdinand, has announced its permanent closure after its final service on September 17th. The restaurant, located on King Street in Manchester, will not be continuing its lease on the property.
Originally opened in 2009, Rosso quickly became a popular destination for the rich and famous. The Grade-II listed former Lancashire and Yorkshire Bank building, where the restaurant was situated, provided a stunning backdrop for events and gatherings. Manchester United Christmas parties and visits from famous faces like One Direction’s Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson contributed to the restaurant’s reputation as a favorite among celebrities.
Owned by The Italian Food Company, Rosso’s shareholders include Nurez Kamani, Suleman Kamani, and Rio Ferdinand. After a sleek refurbishment in 2017, the restaurant adopted a white and gold styling, departing from the original red-themed interiors. The decision for the rebrand was made by the management, who aimed to bring something new and different to the city while preserving the building’s historic features.
The closure of Rosso follows a temporary shutdown due to the first national lockdown in March 2020. Despite intermittent easing of restrictions in 2020 and 2021, the restaurant opted not to reopen until June 21st, 2021. Over the years, Rosso gained popularity for its elaborate Christmas decorations, with the entire building covered in thousands of bulbs, as well as its romantic Valentine’s Day décor.
Sources:
– Manchester Evening News