The rise and fall of Rosso: Rio Ferdinand's glitzy southern Italian restaurant loved by celebs suddenly serves its last dish

Sitting at the top of King Street and arguably one of Manchester's most famous Italian restaurants, Rosso has served its very last dish.

Co-owned by footballing legend Rio Ferdinand, the stunning Grade II listed building in the heart of the city centre has been loved by celebrities for years and is known for its huge decorative transformations, most famously at Christmas time when it becomes a selfie spot and is covered from top to bottom in dazzling lights.

Found within one of Manchester’s iconic thoroughfares at Spring Gardens in a building that formerly housed Lancashire and Yorkshire bank, the southern Italian eatery was opened back in 2009 by Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand, soon becoming renowned for hosting the rich and famous and becoming a pillar of the restaurant and social scene, from Coronation Street stars, to hosting Manchester United Christmas parties and receiving high praise by One Direction's Harry Styles.

READ MORE: Rosso, the celebrity restaurant co-owned by Rio Ferdinand is closing its doors for good

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But on Sunday night, (September 17), Rosso hosted its last service. The final drinks were poured, the last meals were plated up and its light up signs have seemingly vanished from its frontage after venue 'closed its doors for good'.

The venue said in a public statement it 'felt like the right time to go out' and 'look ahead to new horizons.'

Following its launch almost 14 years ago, photos of the hundreds of celebrities who had visited quickly started filling up the walls. It was the start of what would be years of success, leading to a sleek refurbishment in 2017 giving the venue its current and renown white and gold styling