Derelict Solihull site to be transformed into Portuguese restaurant

A new restaurant name has been announced for a once popular restaurant near Coventry which has closed unexpectedly. Esabella’s in Solihull, 25 minutes from the city, closed suddenly in September 2023, leaving customers confused as they arrived at a derelict site.

Esabella’s was well-known on the food scene for its European and Mediterranean cuisine, but customers were left confused after it ceased trading after undergoing a refurbishment. BirminghamLive reported that owners Toby Sears and Rajan Chauhan were forced to close their doors due to circumstances “outside their control”.

However, Solihull BID announced on June 3 that a Portuguese restaurant called Porto Douro Restaurants is soon to open in Esabella’s old premises, hoping to bring life to the Warwick Road corner.

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After Esabella closed, the interior of the restaurant was gutted, the urinals ripped out and left by the bar. When BirminghamLive visited the site, glasses and plates of food were left at the entrance.

But Porto Douro, which also has a restaurant in Birmingham’s Acocks Green, posted on its Facebook page in April that “a new menu and website” were coming to Solihull soon, but gave no further details.

Solihull BID’s full statement on Facebook read: “Well the cat is out of the bag! The stunning Porto Douro Restaurant is coming to Solihull town centre, taking over the old Esabella’s premises. Porto Douro is a Portuguese restaurant and bar where people can come. together and enjoy good food, good wine and good times!”

Following the announcement, diners have expressed how happy they are to have a new premises in Solihull town centre. Tracey Cross said: “Great news! We need more independent restaurants in Solihull town centre”.

Nikki Macnoo said: “Can’t wait!!!! Fantastic food and service. Good luck guys on your grand opening.”

Sarah Gwilliam added: “This is one of the best Portuguese restaurants I’ve been to outside of Portugal! The ACG branch has been our home since 2019. We are extremely privileged to be opening this new branch in Solihull”.

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