Perla Nera in Crook to close after ‘difficult decision’

Perla Nera, on Hope Street in Crook, has served customers since 2020 and announced the news in an emotional message shared on social media.

In their statement, the owners said: “After six unforgettable years, the time has come for us to say goodbye to Perla Nera. Finding the right words to write this post isn’t easy.

“For the past six years, maintaining the standards that have always defined Perla Nera, day after day, has been one of our greatest sources of pride and satisfaction. At the same time, it has required an enormous amount of commitment and sacrifice, not only from us, but from our families as well.

“While saying goodbye is incredibly difficult, we’re also excited about what the future holds and the opportunity to begin this new chapter.”

They said the restaurant had become their “second home” over the last six years and had allowed them to achieve major milestones in their personal lives.

The post added: “Perla Nera has never been just a restaurant to us. It has been our second home, a place where we’ve spent some of the best years of our lives.

“We started this journey as young men in our twenties. Today, we leave it as adults, husbands and fathers. During these six years, we’ve grown not only as business owners, but as people.

“This restaurant has given us so much. It allowed us to buy our homes, start our families and build a future. But above all, it introduced us to thousands of incredible people that we’ll never forget.

“Every single day, we opened our doors with the same goal: to give you the best evening we possibly could.

“Whether you were celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, a graduation, a family gathering, or simply enjoying a meal with the people you love, we always felt the responsibility of making that occasion special.”

The owners said many customers had become “far more than customers” during the restaurant’s six years in Crook.

They added: “Some of you visited us so often that we recognised your voice the moment you called to book a table. We watched your children grow up, celebrated birthdays and anniversaries together, welcomed new family members, and shared so many special moments.

“Without even realising it, you made us feel like part of your families, and you truly became part of ours.

“Your support has meant everything.

“As we begin a new chapter in our lives, we truly hope that the next chapter of Perla Nera will be just as special, and that those who continue its story will be welcomed with the same warmth, kindness and support that you’ve shown us over the past six years.”

Since the announcement, long-standing customers have shared messages of support online.

One person wrote: “You created an amazing restaurant with a lovely atmosphere and fabulous food. So sad to see you closing but wishing you all the very best for the future.”

Another said: “Very sorry to hear this. At the same time, I fully understand. Unfortunately, all good things come to an end.

“You guys put your heart and soul into this place and as a result you created the best Italian restaurant in the North East region. You’ve made yourselves proud with your achievements.

“Above all, you are all lovely people who have made such an impact on the people of Crook and surrounding areas. I wish you all the very best in your future venture, whatever it may be.”

The restaurant will remain open until Saturday, September 5.