La Scala Restaurant on Westhoughton’s Chorley Road closed yesterday (April 1).
Cllr David Wilkinson, who represents Westhoughton South, said the restaurant has a ‘long history’ in the town.
He said: “The food was always excellent. It was probably one of the best Italians you can go to. The restaurant has a long history [in Westhoughton].
“It’s really a shame to see such a quality restaurant close.
“At the moment we’re not clear as to why La Scala shut. It was open only last week.
“We’ve been very fortunate with restaurants [opening and staying in business] in Westhoughton.
“But business rate relief will change dramatically in the next financial year and will hurt quite a lot of businesses up and down the country. In Bolton we’ll probably see hospitality businesses close.”
Cllr Arthur Price, of Westhoughton North and Hunger Hill, said: “It’s very sad. It was a popular restaurant and the food was good.
“It’s another business going to the wall. I think people have been shocked by it.”
Owners announced the closure on social media in a post saying: “We regret to announce that La Scala Westhoughton has permanently closed its doors on April 1.
“We would like to say thank you to all our customers for your continued support through the years.”
This had punters ‘bereft’ at the sad news and missing the ‘amazing food’.
One wrote: “Absolutely gutted for them. Fantastic food and owners. Nowhere else worth going.”
Another wrote: “[I’m] absolutely gutted, bereft. [It was] our favourite restaurant. Never again will we have those special evenings enjoying amazing food, prepared with such skill and talent, and served by amazing people.
“We will [always] treasure our times there and the special people who went above and beyond to ensure we enjoyed our visits over many years.”
When Bolton News contacted La Scala Restaurant for comment, they responded that they did not want to talk about it.
