Ancoats Loses Another Independent Gem – The Hip Hop Chip Shop
It’s sad news for Ancoats as a much-loved local spot has announced it’s closing its doors on Sunday, 2nd March 2025. After 11 years, they’re joining the growing number of independent businesses struggling to survive. They shared the news on social media, explaining that despite Ancoats being the perfect place to start their dream, rising costs have made things impossible.
They pointed to a combination of Brexit, Covid, soaring energy bills, and VAT as key factors. They even suggested that halving VAT would be a huge help for businesses like theirs. The burden of business loans has also taken its toll. They admitted they’d have to raise prices much more than they felt comfortable with to stay afloat.
This venture started 15 years ago with three friends in their early twenties. They built it from scratch, working weekends while holding down other jobs, eventually taking the plunge to go full-time. It’s clearly a heartbreaking decision, but they know they have to listen to their heads, not their hearts.
They’re now focused on supporting their amazing team to find new jobs, making sure all their suppliers are paid, and giving their loyal customers a final chance to celebrate with them. It’s a real shame to see another independent business go, and this closure will definitely leave a gap in the Ancoats community.
