Coronation Street star Jennie McAlpine has made a sad announcement, confirming that her Manchester restaurant has closed down.

First opening in 2012, Annies is co-owned by the Fiz Dobbs actor and husband Chris Farr, and was named one of the best casual dining restaurants in the UK by Tripadvisor last year.

However, in a statement shared on Annies’ official Instagram page, the two revealed that they have now closed the doors with “a heavy heart”.

“It’s with a heavy heart that we’ve had to close the doors to Annies this week,” they wrote. “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.”

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Fans expressed their heartbreak at the announcement in the comments, one writing: “This is such sad news. We will forever cherish the tea parties and Christmas meals we enjoyed at Annie’s.”

“It is so sad to hear about Annie’s closing,” another added, recalling “a lot of happy memories forever with excellent customer service and amazing staff”.

“So gutted 😢,” wrote a third. “Everytime we visit Manchester we visit Annies 😢. There’s no other place like it x.”

Meanwhile, back in 2023 Jennie welcomed her third baby with Chris – a daughter called Doris – who joins other children Albert and Hilda.

“Doris is a family name and I love that it goes with Albert and Hilda,” she previously explained to OK! of the name. “They’re also all very ‘Corrie’. The actress who played the first Rovers landlady, Annie Walker, was called Doris Speed.”

Coronation Street star Jennie McAlpine has announced the closure of her beloved Manchester restaurant, Annies, in what she described as a “heavy-hearted” decision. The actress, best known for her long-running role as Fiz Dobbs on the ITV soap, co-owned the establishment with her husband, Chris Farr. The couple opened Annies in 2012, and over the years, the venue became a well-known and much-loved spot in the heart of Manchester — praised not only for its comfort food and charm, but also for the warm, friendly atmosphere that mirrored Jennie’s own personality.

In a heartfelt statement shared on Annies’ official Instagram page, Jennie and Chris thanked their loyal customers and staff who supported the restaurant through more than a decade of highs and lows. “It’s with a heavy heart that we’ve had to close the doors to Annies this week,” the statement read. “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 announcement came as a shock to fans, many of whom had come to view the restaurant as more than just a place to eat — it was a warm and welcoming part of Manchester’s cultural landscape. Over the years, Annies carved out a reputation for its home-style dishes, traditional afternoon teas, and especially its festive meals, often fully booked during the Christmas season. The venue’s classic British charm made it a favourite for locals and tourists alike, and last year it was even named one of the best casual dining restaurants in the UK by Tripadvisor.

Fans quickly flooded the comments section of the announcement with messages of sadness and support. “This is such sad news. We will forever cherish the tea parties and Christmas meals we enjoyed at Annies,” wrote one longtime customer. Another added: “It is so sad to hear about Annies closing. A lot of happy memories forever, with excellent customer service and amazing staff.” One particularly emotional comment read: “So gutted 😢. Every time we visit Manchester, we visit Annies 😢. There’s no other place like it x.”

The closure of Annies marks the end of an era for Jennie McAlpine, who balanced her acting career with running the restaurant. It’s no easy feat, considering that she has remained a central figure in Coronation Street for over two decades. Her portrayal of Fiz Dobbs (née Brown) has earned her praise for bringing authenticity and depth to the show, and she’s become one of the most recognisable faces on British television.

Outside of her career, Jennie has also been focused on her growing family. In 2023, she and Chris welcomed their third child, a daughter named Doris. Jennie previously shared with OK! magazine that the name was chosen for its sentimental value. “Doris is a family name and I love that it goes with Albert and Hilda,” she said, referring to the couple’s two older children. “They’re also all very ‘Corrie’. The actress who played the first Rovers landlady, Annie Walker, was called Doris Speed.”

That attention to legacy and connection runs deep for Jennie, both on and off-screen. The naming of her children, the creation of Annies as a warm, vintage-inspired dining space, and her long-standing presence on Coronation Street all reflect a deep-rooted appreciation for tradition, family, and community — values that have clearly resonated with the public.

Though Annies has now closed its doors, the impact it made will not be forgotten. For many, it was more than just a restaurant — it was a gathering place, a slice of Manchester charm, and a physical reflection of the warmth Jennie brings to her roles and public life. While fans are undoubtedly saddened by the news, there’s comfort in knowing that the memories made there will endure.

As for what’s next for Jennie McAlpine, fans will still be able to see her regularly on Coronation Street, and no doubt she will continue to pour her heart into her work and her family. Whether on the cobbles of Weatherfield or in real life, Jennie remains a cherished figure — and whatever venture she takes on next will surely be met with the same love and support that Annies enjoyed for over a decade.