Estabulo put up sign on Darlington venue without approval
The Brazilian steakhouse chain is set to make its comeback to the town in early 2026 after taking over the former Pizza Hut restaurant on Horsemarket.Β
The firm had previously been located at DL1 until its sudden closure last January, but announced it would be relocating in October.Β
At the end of last year, a new sign – ‘Estabulo’ in bright yellow text and the outline of a bull in yellow – were added to the front of the building as works continued.
However, it has now been revealed that planning permission for the sign has not yet been approved by Darlington Borough Council.
It also appears there is yet to even be an application for the logo, according to the council’s website.
A council spokesperson said: “A member of the planning team has been in contact with the owners of the property, with a view to meeting them on site to discuss the unauthorised signage and agree a way forward.”
Work on transforming the upcoming restaurant has resumed following a break over Christmas with Estabulo eyeing up a late January to early February opening date.Β
The chain had been based in the town since 2018, when it opened at DL1, but has had no presence since its closure there in January 2025.Β
The news it was moving elsewhere was confirmed when logos went up on the windows of the former Pizza Hut and, more recently but briefly, Mafea restaurant.Β
The Northern Echo has contacted Estabulo for comment but it has not yet responded.