A beloved Italian restaurant in Greater Manchester, a longstanding haunt for Manchester United legends and Hollywood stars, has served its final meal after more than four decades in business.
The End of an Era for a Celebrity Hotspot
Puccini's on Chorley Road in Swinton first opened its doors in 1982 and has been run by owner Michele Pucci since 1990. The 65-year-old has now confirmed the establishment will not reopen following a three-week holiday closure, bringing a permanent end to over 40 years of trading.
Michele Pucci cited a perfect storm of challenges forcing the decision. He explained that trade has plummeted since the pandemic, skilled staff are increasingly hard to recruit, and relentless rising costs have made the business unsustainable. "We simply can't afford to be here anymore," he stated.
A Star-Studded Guest List and Community Heart
The restaurant, known locally as Puccinis, built a formidable reputation as a favourite for sports teams and celebrities. Its illustrious guest book included:
- The entire England football squad, who once booked out the venue.
- Manchester United icons Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs, who were such regulars that a 'Penne Alla Neville' dish was named in Gary's honour.
- Hollywood legend Sylvester Stallone, who dined there in 2015.
- Other notable figures like former Prime Minister David Cameron, Sir Alex Ferguson, Sven-Goran Eriksson, and boxing champions Joe Frazier and Roberto Duran.
Beyond the fame, the restaurant was a community pillar, with charity nights raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for good causes over the years.
The Struggles Behind the Closure
Michele Pucci painted a bleak picture of the local area and the economic headwinds facing small businesses. "Trade is dying, Swinton is dying and we're dying in Swinton," he said. He criticised a lack of support from the local council and a disinterested landlord.
The issues are multifaceted:
Staffing: Post-Brexit and Covid, recruiting skilled staff from overseas has become difficult. Michele noted that many British people seek jobs with more sociable hours than hospitality offers, and better pay elsewhere has drained the talent pool.
Costs and Trade: Soaring overheads for National Insurance, VAT, rent, rates, utilities, and wages have squeezed margins. While loyal weekend customers remained, weekday trade became too quiet to sustain the fixed costs.
Personal Toll: The battle to survive took a severe toll on Michele's health, leading him to work 60-70 hour weeks. "Money comes and goes but I have to look after my health," he explained.
The closure impacts approximately 15 full and part-time jobs. Michele will now take a step back, supporting his wife as she launches a new coffee shop and wine bar in the area.
Council Response and Future for Swinton
The restaurant sits near Swinton's Lancastrian Hall and Central Library, buildings subject to local demands for redevelopment. A Salford Council spokesperson acknowledged Swinton needs investment and regeneration, identifying it as a priority area alongside Eccles.
While there are no immediate plans for The Lancastrian Hall, the council stated that future decisions will be guided by a comprehensive plan developed with the community. For now, the lights are off for good at Puccini's, marking the loss of a iconic piece of Greater Manchester's social and culinary history.
