Beak Fried Chicken, a popular Smithdown Road restaurant known for its sliders, will close its doors on Saturday, July 18, 2026. The decision was announced by co-owner Ben Raywood, who cited difficult economic times as the reason for the closure.
Restaurant's Journey from Home Kitchen to Award Nominee
Founded in January 2021 by Ben Raywood, Sam McKee, and Natalie Grady, Beak started by selling 50 burgers every Friday from Sam McKee's mother's kitchen. Over the years, the business expanded to two locations: one in Crosby and the Smithdown Road venue. The restaurant gained recognition as one of the best in the North West and was nominated for Uber Eats Restaurant of the Year in 2025.
In a social media statement, the team wrote: "Yes the firm how are we, sit down we've got some s**** news. We have made the difficult decision to close the Smithdown shop. What can we say, it's been a blast. We've had a weed farm go on fire next door to us, we've hosted weddings and baby showers, been pelted with fireworks inside and out by the most charming of young men, and most importantly we've got to know and feed our local regulars."
Impact on Staff and Customers
The closure will affect staff at the Smithdown location, though the Crosby venue at 56 College Road will continue operating as normal. The team expressed gratitude to their employees, saying: "Big mazzy thanks to all our belter staff that have been with us along the way." Customers reacted with disappointment on social media, with comments such as "Ahh sad times" from Mikey and "Absolutely gutted" from Ellie.
Ben Raywood previously told the Liverpool Echo about the nomination: "I want to say a massive thanks to all the Beak heads who order week in and week out. I'm absolutely made up, our hard work has paid off. We are so proud and massively appreciative. We are just three friends from Crosby who wanted a change from our corporate jobs because it was leaving us in a state of disillusionment."
Future Plans
Despite the closure, the team hinted at upcoming developments, stating: "More big news coming soon but that's all for now, keep your eyes peeled." The final day of trading at Smithdown Road will be July 18, with fans encouraged to visit before then.
