La Tabella Italian restaurant in Churchtown Village, Southport, will close permanently this weekend after more than 12 years in business. The restaurant, located on Botanic Road, will serve its final customers on Sunday, June 21, 2026.
History and Ownership
The restaurant was opened in February 2014 by landlord-turned-restaurateur Rob Smallman, who previously ran Rueters Bar and Grill in Southport town centre. After years in the bar trade, he decided to pursue his passion for Italian cuisine and establish a family-focused restaurant.
When launching La Tabella, Rob described it as “a family of staff, for families.” His son Daniel served as head chef, while long-time colleague Peter Gallagher managed the restaurant, creating what Rob viewed as a close-knit team environment.
Concept and Community
Rob said his aim was to provide fresh, high-quality Italian food at affordable prices. He wanted customers to be able to enjoy a meal out without spending excessively, with a particular focus on attracting families and repeat visitors. The restaurant quickly became a popular part of the local community. Rob often spoke about the support from regular customers and the benefits of Churchtown Village as a location, where diners could enjoy nearby pubs before visiting the restaurant.
Closure Announcement
Despite its popularity, the owners said the business has struggled with the challenges of the current economic climate. Rob and Daniel announced that, after exhausting efforts to keep the restaurant operating, they had made the difficult decision to close. In a farewell message, the owners thanked customers for their years of loyalty, support, and shared memories. They expressed gratitude to everyone who had been part of La Tabella’s journey over the past 12 and a half years.
Unique Wine Window
In 2024, La Tabella introduced Merseyside’s first “wine window,” believed to be only the second of its kind in the UK. The feature was inspired by the traditional wine windows of Florence, Italy, and allowed customers to order wine through a small street-facing service window. The wine window, known as “Churchtown’s Finestra Del Vino,” was inspired by Daniel and his wife Arianne’s honeymoon in Florence. The couple wanted to recreate the unique and enjoyable experience they had encountered in Tuscany and bring a piece of Italian culture to Southport.
