Manchester is mourning the loss of a true culinary treasure — and Coronation Street fans are reeling from the emotional blow. In a shocking announcement that no one saw coming, Fiz Dobbs actress Jennie McAlpine has officially closed the doors of her beloved restaurant, Annies, leaving a void in the hearts of locals and soap lovers alike.
THE GOODBYE NOBODY WAS READY FOR…
Annies wasn’t just a restaurant — it was a home away from home, a cozy escape nestled in the heart of Manchester, where diners could feel the warmth of Jennie and her husband Chris Farr’s personal touch. Opened in 2012, the venue quickly became a celebrated gem, even earning a spot on Tripadvisor’s top UK casual dining spots just last year. But now, in a twist worthy of the Cobbles themselves, it’s gone — and with it, years of cherished memories.
“It’s with a heavy heart that we’ve had to close the doors to Annies this week,” Jennie and Chris wrote in a tearful Instagram statement. “We want to thank the amazing people, staff and customers who’ve been part of our Annies journey.”
Their words weren’t just a farewell — they were a final curtain call on a dream nurtured with passion and purpose. “Our whole team will miss all of our wonderful customers, who we have come to call friends,” the message continued. “Thank you for the support you’ve given to us all over these years. With love and thanks, Chris and Jennie.”
FANS SHATTERED BY THE NEWS
The reaction online was immediate and emotional. Fans flooded the comments with messages of love and sadness. “This is such sad news,” one wrote. “We will forever cherish the tea parties and Christmas meals we enjoyed at Annie’s.”
Another added: “A lot of happy memories forever with excellent customer service and amazing staff. It is so sad to hear about Annie’s closing.” One devastated fan summed it up perfectly: “So gutted 
Every time we visit Manchester, we visit Annies. There’s no other place like it.”
A MANCHESTER LEGEND, LOST TOO SOON
For more than a decade, Annies wasn’t just a restaurant — it was a cornerstone of Manchester’s cultural scene, a proud creation of a Coronation Street icon, where the line between fiction and real life blurred in the best way. The legacy of Fiz Dobbs lived not only on screen but in every comforting dish and every smiling face at Annies.
A NEW CHAPTER FOR JENNIE
Despite this heartbreaking closure, Jennie McAlpine’s personal journey continues to grow. In 2023, she welcomed her third child, a daughter named Doris, who joined older siblings Albert and Hilda — all names rich in Coronation Street history. Jennie once shared that “Doris is a family name and I love that it goes with Albert and Hilda,” adding that the names feel authentically “Corrie” — a nod to her deep roots in the soap’s legendary universe.
FROM SOAP QUEEN TO MANCHESTER ICON
Jennie’s transition from Fiz on the cobbles to a beloved businesswoman made her a dual force — Corrie fans admired her on-screen grit, while locals loved her for bringing something truly special to the community. The restaurant, much like her character, represented warmth, resilience, and heart.
