Mabels Royton restaurant closes doors moves delivery-only

Mabels, the popular restaurant on Rochdale Road in Royton, has closed its doors after five years of trading, with owners citing rising costs and building problems as the reasons for shutting the physical venue. The family-run business, known for its hearty portions and friendly service, served its final meals on Sunday, March 15, leaving many regular customers disappointed.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, the Mabels team explained the difficult decision, saying they'd spent considerable time weighing their options before choosing to transition to a delivery-only model. 'This wasn't an easy post to write,' they admitted, adding that all existing bookings would still be honoured before the closure. The move to a dark kitchen setup means lower overheads and the ability to focus on food quality rather than front-of-house operations.

The news has hit Royton's dining scene hard, with customers flooding social media with messages of support and sadness. One regular described feeling 'absolutely gutted' at the closure, while another praised the 'delicious' and 'phenomenal' food that had become a staple for many local families. The restaurant had even caught the attention of food blogger Peety Scranz last year, who featured Mabels in a positive review that highlighted its generous portions and welcoming atmosphere.

While the physical restaurant has gone, Mabels isn't disappearing entirely. The business will continue operating from a dark kitchen, allowing customers to order their favourite dishes for delivery and book catering services for events. The team has promised to share details about how to order once the new setup is running smoothly, with contact information still available through their Facebook page for those wanting to stay connected.