Popular family-run restaurant to close after 28 years due to cost of living crisis

A popular family-owned Indian restaurant has announced it will close its doors after 28 years of service.

Al’s Tikka Grill, in Ashton Road, confirmed ‘after great consideration’ it would close the doors to its bring-your-own booze curry house at the end of the month.

The Hungry Bite cafe, which shares the same premises, will remain open.

In a post on Facebook, the owners put the closure down to the cost of living. Many restaurants, pubs and bars face a difficult future due to rising energy costs, the price of food and staff shortages.

The post e read: “It is with sadness and a sense of changing times that we write this letter.

“After great consideration, we made the difficult decision to permanently close our doors following the cost of living (sic).

“The decision to close down our business after 30 years of serving you, getting to know you and making you part of our Als Tikka Grill family comes with a heavy heart.

“Our family business has been going steadily for many years and has been a wonderful experience for us and will continue to hold a special place in our hearts.

“We would like to thank our staff, past and present, for being such an integral part of our business and for helping us to provide so many wonderful experiences to our countless guests over the years.”

Al’s has been serving South Bristol since 1994.

The post continues: “Your efforts and dedication have never gone unnoticed, so we extend our utmost gratitude for your commitment to our brand and our family’s vision of our restaurant.

“We want to say thank you to everyone who has dined with us, whether you’ve been dining with us for years or just now found us. We are grateful for your continued support and loyalty, you are the direct reason for our success as we are truly humbled and honored to have served you.

“However, as much as we love Al’s Tikka Grill, and seeing you walk through our doors, the most difficult decision was imposed upon us during these unprecedented times to move on.”

Customers were disappointed at the announcement, with some calling the family-run business the best in Bristol.

Derek Dodd commented: “The best local takeaway anywhere!

“I’m so sorry to hear this news. I’m worried that it was because I moved out of Bristol this year!! Thank you to all your family. I’ll be back to thank you in person soon.”

Tom Ray added: “Absolutely gutted to hear this.

“Als is part of mine and my sons weekly routine. You always get such a great welcome and we’ll be so sad to see you close.

“But we wish you all the best for whatever the future holds. We will miss you loads.”

The restaurant will close on October 1.