Withington protests the closure of beloved South Manchester institution Café Blah

Withington has pulled together in a show of support for cultural hub Café Blah, since a year-long lease renewal dispute with the property’s landlords, H Homes, led to the forced closure of the venue early last month.

Speaking to the BBC, Adam Porrino and Tess Parkinson, the two person team behind the South Manchester institution, claimed that H Homes “unfairly snatched away” their business last month. They claim the letting agency had changed the locks to the premises without giving prior notice of eviction.

H Homes have been approached for comment.

Announcing the sudden closure of their business via the café-bar’s Instagram, Adam and Tess received a rapid and impressive wave of support from local businesses, MPs and customers.

Demonstration

Talking to The Northern Quota about the public’s response, Adam said: “The community has been everything to us, they have given us the belief to fight for our rights.

“Without the people we are nothing. We can never repay them for the love they have shown us.”

A demonstration held five days after the forced closure of the venue saw a group of frustrated protesters descend on Davenport Avenue, the site of both the shuttered Café Blah and H Homes’ Withington office.

Rallying against H Homes’ decision, protesters raised signs and placards in support of Cafe Blah.

A JustGiving fundraiser has so far raised £10,433, with the money raised being used to re-open the business at a new, currently undisclosed location.

‘We can never repay them for the love they have shown us’

Blah cafe owner Adam Porrino

The target for the fundraiser was initially set at £9000. However, through a combination of social media promotion and fundraising events, the goal was reached within just a few days of the webpage going live.

Local bands and artists have been vital in aiding these efforts, with Café Blah regulars Gustavo Johnson performing at,several gigs across Manchester to bolster funds and support.

Max Hutchinson, frontman of Gustavo Johnson and creator of grassroots music promotion company, Sweetface Magazine, described the café-bar as a “sanctuary” when a number of music and arts venues across the city are closing.

Vital to the economy

Speaking to the Northern Quota, Mr Hutchinson stated that: ”For every one that opens, another three or four close”.

Café Blah’s official Instagram echoed this sentiment: “There needs to be more in place to protect, and even encourage, these cultural spots in Manchester.”

Local politicians have pledged their support for Cafe Blah.

In a statement posted on his website, Jeff Smith, Labour MP for Withington, stated: “I have reached out to the property owners to ask that they reconsider their decision to end the tenancy. Small, independent businesses are at the heart of our local economy, and it’s vital we do all we can to support them.”

Sacha Lord, night time economy adviser for Greater Manchester, also commented on the café-bar’s closure, with MEN reporting that he is “aware of the situation and is monitoring its development”.

Adam and Tess also told the MEN they believe they were locked out when they disputed a 65% increase in rent after their current lease ran out. They claim they were not given a formal notice of eviction.