Restaurant Closes Its Doors
The Last Days of the Raj, a well-known Indian restaurant in the Newcastle area, has permanently closed after 11 years of operation. The restaurant, which moved from its original location in Low Fell, Gateshead, to Dinnington in 2015, informed customers via a brief statement on its website.
The statement read: "The restaurant is now closed. The past 11 years have been a rollercoaster for us. Unfortunately we are not able to continue in the current climate and the increased costs have made it difficult to stay open. Thank you to all our customers and especially the residents of the village who have made us welcome for the past decade."
From Low Fell to Dinnington
The Last Days of the Raj first established itself in Low Fell, Gateshead, where it became a fixture of the local dining scene. In 2015, three years after the original restaurant closed, it reopened in the former Bay Horse pub in Dinnington, North Tyneside. The move surprised many regulars, but the restaurant quickly garnered positive reviews, attracting customers from across the region.
Community Reaction
News of the closure has sparked an outpouring of support from customers and fellow businesses. The Golden Touch Chinese Takeaway in Seaton Burn shared the announcement on Facebook, writing: "It is heartbreaking to hear the news about The Last Days Of Raj and honestly, as a fellow small business owner, it hits incredibly close to home. My heart goes out to the owners—they poured everything into it, and seeing a neighbour struggle is a tough reminder of the pressure we’re all under right now."
A regular customer commented: "Gutted. Best Indian restaurant in this area and used it from Day 1 when they did their soft opening. Wishing all the staff the best." Another added: "So sad...my favourite Indian restaurant."
Broader Economic Pressures
The closure highlights the challenges facing small businesses in the UK, particularly in the hospitality sector, amid rising costs and economic uncertainty. The owners of The Last Days of the Raj cited the "current climate" and "increased costs" as key factors in their decision to close.
