BARROVIANS are saddened after it was announced a popular town centre Italian will be closing its doors.

This is the last year of trade for Mario House in Barrow, bosses have revealed. The Dalton Road restaurant first opened its doors in 2019 and marked three years of trading in October.

Since then, Mail readers have shared their sadness at the closure on social media. 

One reader commented: "Gutted. Beat sit down and takeaway in town.

"Bye bye Mario house and barrow arms another good feed, in the end I bet we will be left with only Wetherspoons as no doubt others will be following suit to leave."

Last year, owner Ionut Dolocan announced plans to expand the business and open a café and shop, known as the Adina Café, in Dalton Road.

However, Mr Dolocan has now revealed the café, which was due to open this summer, will no longer go ahead.

The Mail: STAFF: Owner Ionut Dolocan, left, and the team at Mario HouseSTAFF: Owner Ionut Dolocan, left, and the team at Mario House

The business-owner will also not be extending the lease of Mario House which is due to expire in December.

Mr Dolocan has attributed one of the reasons which has prompted the restaurant’s closure to a failure to recruit staff.

Readers in their droves have expressed their sadness the Italian restaurant has closed its doors for good. 

"So sad lovely food," remarked Mail reader Dorne Pelan.

David Bertram said: "At this rate Barrow is turning into a ghost town! Absolute joke."

Readers have their say

 

  • Loretta Anne Eccles said: "So sad Mario house is closing, me and my best friend love it here. The food, the atmosphere and the staff are amazing."
  • Mike Smith said: "Last clothes shop will be closing next,New Look, then that's it all gone. No clothes shop in the town centre."
  • Tina Singleton said: "Sad that it's closing as always did lovely food."
  • Teresa Lomas said: "How sad! We’ve always had great food here, a real treat"
  • Sandra Beaton Stanworth said: "I've been a few times, nice food lovely place and friendly staff."
  • Angela Richardson said: "I'd eat out at a decent restaurant, sick of seeing fast food places."
  • Brian Phillips Kt said: "If the council put a halt on new fast food outlets this kind of thing may slow down and help save established ones."
  • Jane Wicks said: "Going to miss there seafood risotto best ever tasted."

'We hope it will return'

Colin Garnett, manager for Barrow BID, hopes the restaurant will reverse its decision to close the site.

He said: “It is really disappointing as I personally loved sitting outside at Mario House and enjoying a meal and a drink.

“The venue embraced pavement dining and made the town look more vibrant with their outdoor furniture and tables. I hope they reverse the decision and choose to stay in Barrow."