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Search the Public Notice PortalEstabulo has confirmed it is “reviewing future plans” at its Darlington restaurant three months after its sudden closure left a question mark over its future.
Earlier this year, the restaurant chain announced it was “temporarily closing” its venue at the DL1 complex in town to carry out a refurbishment.
But weeks later, the restaurant was stripped out inside and several signs were taken down, leaving its future hanging in the balance.
In late January, Estabulo reiterated that it was closed for a refurb to “enhance the venue and improve the dining experience” - with a spokesperson saying it “deeply regrets the timing and any disruption this may have caused”.
But in a new statement, a spokesperson has confirmed that the chain is “still in the process of reviewing future plans and no final decision has yet been made regarding reopening”.
It said there had been "no final decision" made regarding the reopening.
Speculation has been rife since January over whether the firm had decided to permanently shut its offering at DL1, where it has been since 2018.
As previously reported, the temporary closure announcement came just hours after a previous statement said the venue “can’t wait” to welcome back customers the following day.
But Estabulo, which also has locations in Durham and Leeds, still argues this was a “planned refurbishment”.
It was late January that the logos were removed from the front and side of the restaurant, and its interior stripped out with just the bar and wall features remaining.
As things stand, no changes appear to have been made to the exterior or interior since the signs were removed.
The uncertainty follows several closures at DL1 in recent years, including coffee shop Mango Bean, Prezzo, The Chinese Buffet, and Tomahawk Steakhouse.
More than a third of units are now vacant at the complex as it edges towards its 10th anniversary next June.
This recently sparked serious questions over whether a “radical and creative” overhaul of the “soulless” site is needed to solidify its long-term future in the town.
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A full statement from Estabulo said: “At this time, we can confirm that the Estabulo Darlington location remains temporarily closed as part of a planned refurbishment.
“While we understand there has been speculation regarding the site, we are still in the process of reviewing future plans and no final decision has yet been made regarding reopening.
“We appreciate the community’s continued interest and support, and we will be sure to share any official updates as soon as they become available.
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