Last orders at Slug & Lettuce Sale after owners say venue is no longer viable

Slug & Lettuce Sale is set to close next month, with owners saying the venue is '“no longer commercially viable”.

The bar and restaurant based at Waterside Plaza has been part of the town centre for many years.

In a statement to Life in Sale, a spokesperson for Slug & Lettuce Sale said: “The hospitality sector continues to face significant challenges. After careful consideration, and despite our best efforts, the site is no longer commercially viable and we have taken the difficult decision to close Slug & Lettuce, Sale.

“We would like to thank our hard-working team for their commitment and dedication. We would also like to thank our guests and the local community for their support over the years.”

The closure will mark the loss of another familiar hospitality name from Sale town centre, at a time when the local pub and bar scene is already seeing change. Slug & Lettuce is owned by Stonegate Group, one of the UK’s largest pub companies. Stonegate also operates a number of other venues in Sale, including The Bulls Head on Cross Street and Temple Inn in Sale Moor.

Another former Stonegate venue, The Block & Gasket on School Road, was put up for sale earlier this year and has recently come under new management. The well-known sports pub closed briefly following the change in ownership, surprising many regulars as the World Cup is currently underway and the venue has long been associated with live sport. However, it is due to reopen under its current name before closing again after the World Cup final for a full refit and rebrand. The venue is expected to return as The Trafford Harp, a new Irish pub. Irish bars have become something of a trend across Greater Manchester in recent months, with several new openings across the city region.

There are currently no confirmed details about what could replace Slug & Lettuce at Waterside Plaza. What would you love to see there?