It should have been a week of celebration but mystery surrounds lauded takeaway

For one of Manchester’s most viral sandwich shops, it should have been the week of all weeks to celebrate.

Claiming victory at the Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards on Monday night (January 26) by being named Takeaway of the Year, Fat Pat’s had a lot to celebrate with its 12-inch sub sandwiches being one of the most acclaimed in the city since opening in 2022.

But the takeaway, which serves its mega sandwiches through an unassuming hatch on Portland Street in the city centre, near Chinatown, has been temporarily closed ever since taking home the prize at the prestigious awards ceremony - unable to relish in its moment of glory.

Adding to the intrigue, a message on the takeaway’s Instagram page simply says it was ‘CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE’ whilst it is also listed as currently unavailable on their online delivery platform with Uber Eats.

The move has just led to more speculation from those wanting to stack up on their lunchtime offerings. One person asked: "Why are you guys closed?" Another, cutting straight to the point, said: "Why is it shut??" One other said: “When does it reopen again?”

But it seems like staff at the venue are currently working out some logistics, and have assured their loyal following that they will have a further update very soon. One of the owners behind Fat Pat's has today told the Manchester Evening News: "We're currently temporarily closed and figuring things out internally. We'll have a better idea within a week about reopening ."

The back alley spot has made a name for itself since launching in the city three years ago following a small stint in Chorlton. Described by the M.E.N. as ‘Manchester’s best sandwich’, Fat Pat’s selection of sub sandwiches include the Philly Cheesesteak, an