Uncertainty over Estabulo Darlington after signs taken down

Estabulo Rodizio Bar and Grill has removed the main logos from the front and side of its restaurant at the DL1 complex in town. 

New pictures taken this week show how the restaurant’s exterior is now empty of Estabulo branding, aside from a pattern around the main doors overlooking the DL1 plaza.

Meanwhile, the interior of the restaurant, which opened in 2018, has been completely stripped out, with only the bar structure, wall features, the base of booths, and several other furniture items remaining. 

DL1 in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

This comes just weeks after Estabulo announced it would be temporarily closing in Darlington to carry out a refurbishment of the restaurant. 

At the time, the chain, which has locations in Durham, Leeds, and Norwich, said it hoped to reopen soon – although no exact date was provided. 

The statement on January 2 was posted hours after the venue said it “can’t wait” to welcome customers back the following day.

How the interior of the restaurant looks (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Several customers commented on the initial announcement asking questions about the reopening date, saying they had reservations and were uncertain if it would be going ahead. 

The uncertainty over Darlington’s Estabulo follows the sudden closure of the firm’s York restaurant, at the Vangarde shopping park, last October after four years.

The York Press reported that staff were told the restaurant would be closing at the end of their shifts on October 27 – with the venue then being emptied.

How the sign looked just weeks ago (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

While Estabulo’s future at DL1 remains up in the air, the former Feethams leisure complex has seen several closures in recent years, including coffee shop Mango Bean, Italian restaurant chain Prezzo, and The Chinese Buffet. 

Most recently, Tomahawk Steakhouse decided to close its restaurant, with owner Howard Eggleston deciding it would be “better to pull out” due to “zero footfall” at the complex. 

How the venue looks now (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

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The former steakhouse has since been put up for sale.

Estabulo has been contacted for comment, but has not yet responded.

The owners of DL1 declined to comment when contacted by The Northern Echo.