Popular Stalybridge restaurant announces closure after 20 years

They are a family who have been part of the very fabric of Stalybridge for two decades and a favourite venue for many across the whole of Tameside and beyond.

But next month will mark the end of an era for the town’s popular Chinese restaurant Phoenix City.

For on July 2 the restaurant, dine-in and takeaway service will close.

However, the destination - often a favourite with businesses for large corporate events, as well as with families - will continue to stage functions, at least until the end of the year.

Owners Barry and Pikling explain that the time has come for them to semi-retire, after buying the land in Stalybridge and building the business two decades ago.

Pikling said: “We opened Phoenix City (Stalybridge) on August, 24, 2003. Back then, we were a family of five. Our ambition was simple, do what we love and love what we do!

“We have been incredibly fortunate to meet lovely people, many of whom we have formed special bonds with, and hold dear to our hearts. They have become our family and our friends.

“Twenty years on, we have decided to semi-retire so that we can enjoy more family time. We are now grandparents and we felt it was time for us to spend more time with the children and grandchildren.

“We have so many bookings as a function destination, we will continue with those as we don’t want to let anyone down.”

Pikling said they had no big plans for retirement other than spending time with their grandchildren.

She explained that their first restaurant - also called Phoenix City - was based in Hyde.

“We’ve always had the name Phoenix City and we were at Hyde for seven years,” she said.

“We started there in 1986 before then moving to Royton, we then came back to Tameside and here to Stalybridge in 2003.

“The Hyde regulars used to come to us in Royton and say they wanted us to come back to this area.

“Someone mentioned the spot in Stalybridge so we came to see it, liked it and then we built the restaurant here.

“We have been very fortunate that we were accepted by the community very quickly and enjoyed their support.

“Without the customers we wouldn’t be where we are today, so we are grateful for their support throughout the years.

“We would especially like to say a heartfelt thank you to all the customers who have supported us over the last 20 years.

“They are not just customers, but friends and family. They have seen our children grow up and we have seen their children grow up. I would also like to thank all our staff, past and present. They are all hard working and dedicated and without them we wouldn’t be what we are.”

Pikling invites everyone to call in before they fully retire.

“We would love to see you all again before we fully retire. If you would like to join us for a meal or a function before we close our doors, then please contact us or send us a message on Facebook,” she said.

“Thank you for all the support over the last two decades. We have taken great pride and care to en- sure that everyone thoroughly enjoyed their experiences with us, every time, and together we have made some truly memorable moments to cherish forever.”