Shares Heartbreaking News With ‘Heavy Heart’
There are some places in Manchester that feel like they’ve always been there, quietly woven into the fabric of the city, a secret known to locals and a must-visit for those in the know. For more than a decade, Annies was that place—a warm, welcoming haven tucked away in the heart of town, where the tea was always piping hot, the scones fresh from the oven, and laughter drifted across tables like sunlight through the windows. But now, with a heavy heart, Coronation Street’s beloved Jennie McAlpine has closed the doors to her cherished restaurant for the very last time, leaving fans and friends alike to mourn the end of an era.
It’s hard to overstate what Annies meant to Manchester. Opened in 2012 by Jennie—known to millions as Fiz Dobbs on Britain’s longest-running soap—and her husband Chris Farr, the restaurant quickly became a beloved fixture. More than just a place for a bite to eat, it was a sanctuary, a spot where memories were made, milestones celebrated, and friendships forged over pots of tea and plates of comfort food. In a city that never stands still, Annies felt like home.
The news broke quietly, as these things so often do, with a heartfelt statement posted to Annies’ official Instagram page. “It’s with a heavy heart that we’ve had to close the doors to Annies this week,” Jennie and Chris wrote, their words laced with emotion. “We want to thank the amazing people, staff and customers who’ve been part of our Annies journey. Our whole team will miss all of our wonderful customers, who we have come to call friends. Thank you for the support you’ve given to us all over these years. With love and thanks, Chris and Jennie.” The simplicity of the message only made it more poignant—a quiet farewell to a place that had become so much more than just a business.
The reaction was immediate and overwhelming. Fans flooded the comments with tributes, sharing memories of tea parties, Christmas dinners, and countless special occasions spent within Annies’ cosy walls. “This is such sad news. We will forever cherish the tea parties and Christmas meals we enjoyed at Annie’s,” wrote one heartbroken regular. Another recalled “a lot of happy memories forever with excellent customer service and amazing staff,” while a third summed up the mood of the city: “So gutted. Every time we visit Manchester we visit Annies. There’s no other place like it.”
It’s not hard to see why Annies inspired such devotion. From the very beginning, Jennie and Chris poured their hearts into the restaurant, determined to create something truly special. The décor was as inviting as a grandmother’s parlour, all soft lighting and plush armchairs, with walls adorned with photos that told the story of Manchester’s past. The menu was a celebration of British classics, from hearty pies to buttery crumpets, each dish served with a side of genuine warmth. And then there was the staff—many of whom had been with Annies since the early days—who treated every customer like an old friend.
But Annies was more than just a restaurant. It was a love letter to Manchester, a tribute to the city’s spirit of resilience and community. Over the years, it hosted everything from charity fundraisers to birthday parties, afternoon teas to Christmas feasts. It was the kind of place where you could walk in alone and leave with a new friend, where the staff remembered your order and asked after your family. In an age of faceless chains and impersonal service, Annies was gloriously, defiantly personal.
That spirit was reflected in the accolades Annies received. Just last year, it was named one of the best casual dining restaurants in the UK by Tripadvisor—a testament to the hard work and passion Jennie, Chris, and their team brought to every service. For many, it was simply the best place in Manchester to unwind, to celebrate, or just to feel at home.
For Jennie, Annies was more than a business venture—it was a dream realised, a piece of her heart made tangible. In the years since it opened, she balanced the demands of life on the cobbles with the joys and challenges of running a restaurant, all while raising a young family. It was no small feat, but Jennie approached it with the same warmth and determination that have made her a favourite with Corrie viewers for over two decades.
Of course, life has changed immeasurably for Jennie in recent years. In 2023, she and Chris welcomed their third child, a daughter named Doris, joining siblings Albert and Hilda. The choice of name was a nod to Corrie history—Doris Speed played the legendary Annie Walker, the first landlady of the Rovers Return. It was a fitting tribute from a woman who has become part of the show’s rich tapestry herself.
Speaking to OK! Magazine, Jennie explained her choice: “Doris is a family name and I love that it goes with Albert and Hilda. They’re also all very ‘Corrie’. The actress who played the first Rovers landlady, Annie Walker, was called Doris Speed.” It’s clear that Jennie’s love for Coronation Street runs deep, and that the show’s sense of family and tradition is something she holds dear.
That same spirit infused every aspect of Annies. For many, it was the ultimate Corrie pilgrimage—a chance to see Fiz in the flesh, perhaps, or just to soak up the atmosphere of a place created by someone who truly understands the power of community. Regulars would often spot Jennie herself, sleeves rolled up, chatting with customers or helping out behind the bar. She was never just a figurehead; she was the heart and soul of Annies.
But even the best things must come to an end. The reasons for Annies’ closure remain private, but the sadness is palpable. In a world still reeling from the aftershocks of the pandemic, with rising costs and changing habits reshaping the high street, it’s no surprise that even beloved institutions are feeling the strain. Yet, as the doors close for the final time, it’s the memories that linger—the laughter, the celebrations, the simple joy of sharing good food with good people.
For Jennie, the end of Annies is undoubtedly bittersweet. She and Chris have poured so much into the restaurant over the past twelve years, building not just a business but a family. Their statement speaks volumes: “Our whole team will miss all of our wonderful customers, who we have come to call friends.” It’s a reminder that, at its best, hospitality is about connection, about bringing people together and making them feel seen and valued.
The outpouring of love and support from fans is a testament to the impact Annies had. For every regular who mourns the loss of their favourite spot, there are countless more whose lives were touched in ways big and small. Whether it was a birthday celebration, a quiet cuppa on a rainy afternoon, or a festive feast with loved ones, Annies was there for it all—a backdrop to the everyday magic of life in Manchester.
As the news spreads, there’s a sense of collective mourning in the city. Annies was more than just a restaurant; it was a symbol of everything that makes Manchester great—its warmth, its resilience, its sense of community. In a world that can sometimes feel cold and impersonal, Annies was a place where everyone was welcome, where kindness was served alongside every meal.
For Jennie, the future is bright, even as she says goodbye to this chapter. With three young children at home and a thriving career on Coronation Street, she has plenty to keep her busy. But the lessons learned at Annies—the importance of community, the value of hard work, the joy of bringing people together—will stay with her always.
And for the people of Manchester, the legacy of Annies will live on. The memories made within its walls, the friendships forged over cups of tea and slices of cake, will not be forgotten. In a city that prides itself on its heart and soul, Annies was a shining example of both.
As the final lights go out and the doors are locked for the last time, there’s a sense of gratitude mingled with the sadness. Thank you, Annies, for the laughter, the comfort, the memories. Thank you, Jennie and Chris, for giving Manchester a place to call home. The city is a little less bright without you, but the love you inspired will linger long after the last cup of tea has been poured.
In the end, perhaps that’s the greatest legacy of all. Places come and go, but the memories they create—the sense of belonging, the feeling of being part of something special—endure. Annies may be gone, but its spirit lives on in the hearts of all who passed through its doors. And for Jennie McAlpine, that is something to cherish, even as she moves forward with a heavy heart and a grateful soul.
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