'Now is the right time to close this chapter and begin something new': Northern Ireland family restaurant to close after '20 wonderful and unforgettable years'
The family behind Bronte Steakhouse & Grill has announced the restaurant’s closure, confirming the Banbridge property is now Sale Agreed after almost two decades in business
A popular Northern Ireland restaurant is set to close its doors ‘after nearly 20 wonderful and unforgettable years’.
Bronte Steakhouse & Grill in Banbridge has announced it will close on Sunday, November 22, bringing an end to almost two decades of trading.
The family-run restaurant shared the news with customers on social media, describing the decision as “incredibly difficult” but saying the time was right to close the chapter and begin something new.
They explained: “After nearly 20 wonderful and unforgettable years, we’ve made the incredibly difficult decision to close the doors of Bronte Steakhouse for the final time on Sunday 22nd November 2026.
“It’s hard to put into words what Bronte has meant to our family. When we first took over, our son was just a toddler running around the restaurant, and he has grown up alongside it. So many special family memories are tied to this place.
“After years of working weekends, holidays and countless long hours, we feel now is the right time to close this chapter and begin something new.”
The family also confirmed that the property is now Sale Agreed, although they said they would not be commenting on any future plans for the premises at this stage.
They continued: “We’re also pleased to confirm that the property is now Sale Agreed. At this stage, we won’t be commenting on any future plans for the property, but we wanted to share this update as we move forward with the next chapter for our family.
“Although this decision is difficult, we’re also looking forward to a little more normality, some weekends back with our family and a fresh adventure for us all.”
The restaurant said it was proud of what had been built over the years and thanked the customers and staff who had supported the business throughout its history.
“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built at the Bronte, and none of it would have been possible without our wonderful customers and team,” the family said.
“Thank you for every visit, booking, celebration and special occasion, and for allowing us to be part of so many of your memories. We’re also deeply grateful to every member of our team, past and present, for their hard work, loyalty and support over the years.”
Bronte will continue to operate as normal until its final service on November 22.
Customers who hold valid Bronte gift vouchers are being encouraged to contact the restaurant to arrange a booking over the coming weeks.
The business has confirmed that it will not accept bookings beyond November 22.
The family said the coming months would be emotional but that they hoped to welcome plenty of familiar faces before the restaurant closes for the final time.
They added: “Thank you for almost 20 amazing years of memories, support, friendship and loyalty. Bronte has given our family so much, and we will always be incredibly grateful.”
The announcement has prompted a strong reaction from customers, with many expressing their shock at the news and sharing fond memories of meals, celebrations and special occasions at the Banbridge restaurant.
Customers took to social media to pay tribute to the restaurant and the family behind it, recalling visits to Bronte over the years and thanking the team for the memories created there.