Bosses of a soon-to-be opened restaurant in Chorlton have been left devastated after plants were stolen from outside the venue.
The theft happened outside Suburban Green overnight on Thursday (December 17).
It marks another setback for the opening of the Beech Road eatery, which has been delayed until the region moves into Tier 2.
Owners Martin Lowe and Cal Gregg-Williams planned to open the venue, at the former Parlour site, in November.
But they are waiting until they can welcome customers inside the restaurant, which has another site in Wilmslow, when rules are relaxed in the region.
Martin's wife Sinead Lowe said she has contacted police about the theft, which she described as a 'kick in the teeth'.
They said they will be in touch with the local team to arrange a visit to the area.
She posted about the theft on Facebook, saying: "This is a heartbreaking sight after all the investment of love, time, effort and finance that my husband and his business partner have put into Suburban Green, Beech Road.
"Not only are they challenged by the current restrictions to hospitality businesses but also by someone who wants to take what’s not theirs.
"Let’s continue to support each other, watch out for each other, care for one another and give to those who are struggling more than ourselves and forgive those that make mistakes.
"Whoever has taken these plants - please return them.
"That would restore my faith in the good that’s in us all and provide a touch of magic this (grim looking) Christmas."
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Sinead said: "We haven't had a chance to open. They don't want to open on a takeaway basis.
"(Martin) sent me a photo (of the damage) this morning. He said he was gutted."
Sinead said the business partners have lost a lot of money in the pandemic.
Like many business owners, one of the best case scenarios would be to break even following a devastating year for the hospitality sector.
Fortunately they have been able to keep open their Wilmslow site as Cheshire has been placed in Tier 2.
But a lot of the money made has been reinvested in the outdoor seating area, which has been popular during the pandemic.
"But that has come with its own challenges, it's very busy, people trying to get out and get a table.
"You've got to make hay while the sun shines. You don't know when the closure will come.
"Will Manchester go down to Tier 2? Will Cheshire go up to Tier 3?," she said.
Sinead said she knows GMP have bigger issues than 'plant-gate', but she will record the crime for their statistics.
She said the theft will have a financial impact, but kindhearted residents on social media have offered to help replant the decorations.
There is no definitive opening date for the restaurant.
When the eatery does open, Sinead said it will be a 'nice comfortable space' offering a range of small plates, coffees and cocktails.
Suburban Green will be open from breakfast to evening.
A spokesman for GMP confirmed they were called to reports of 'theft of items on Suburban Green, Beech Road, Manchester'.
