The restaurant, which opened at the Trafford Centre in 2007, announced the closure via a message on its website stating, ‘Unfortunately, this restaurant is now closed as a pesto,’ before thanking customers for the ‘time spent with us’.
Situated on the upper floor of the Trafford Centre, the restaurant served Pesto’s Italian piattini menu, comprising small plates intended for sharing. Dishes included pizzas, meatballs, arancini and salads, with customers able to order individual plates or share a selection.
The Trafford Centre closure leaves the group with 11 restaurants across the Midlands and North West. Its current estate includes sites at The Dicconson Arms in Lancashire, The Yacht in Chester, The Axe & Compass in Warwickshire and The White Horse in Leicestershire.
Founded in 2006, Pesto was acquired by Mitchells & Butlers in 2024, when the pub and restaurant group bought the Italian small plates business. Founders Sara and Neil Gatt remained with the business for an 18-month period to support M&B in identifying and converting sites to the Pesto brand.