Crystal Palace Italian restaurant Lorenzo to close after 41 years

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 20:58 · Archive

Lorenzo, a family-run Italian restaurant in Crystal Palace, will close on 22 November after 41 years in business.

Lorenzo, a family-run Italian restaurant on Westow Hill in Crystal Palace, will close its doors for the final time on Sunday, 22 November, ending 41 years of service. The restaurant first opened in 1985 and has become a well-known fixture in the area, welcoming generations of diners for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and other special occasions.

The Lorenzo family announced the closure on Facebook and thanked customers for their support over the past four decades. In their statement, the family described Lorenzo as having been 'so much more than a restaurant', calling it their life's work and a place that had brought generations together over food and shared memories.

The family said rising costs and the challenges facing independent restaurants had made it increasingly difficult to continue operating. Founder Lorenzo, who will celebrate his 88th birthday in November, is looking forward to spending more time with his family and enjoying a slower pace of life.

The restaurant will remain open until 22 November, with the family encouraging customers to visit during its final weeks and share their memories. Following the announcement, the family said they had been 'overwhelmed' by the response from customers, receiving hundreds of messages and comments highlighting how much the restaurant had meant to the community.

Over 204 comments were left on the closure announcement, with the overwhelming majority expressing sadness at the loss of what many described as a Crystal Palace institution.

How it is being reported

• 'End of an era’ as beloved Crystal Palace family restaurant to close after 41 yearsA popular, family-run restaurant in Crystal Palace is set to close after serving the community for more than four decades.Croydon Guardian · 12 Oct, 20:00
• 'End of an era’ as beloved Crystal Palace family restaurant to close after 41 yearsA popular, family-run restaurant in Crystal Palace is set to close after serving the community for more than four decades.News Shopper · 12 Oct, 20:00
• 'End of an era’ as beloved Crystal Palace family restaurant to close after 41 yearsA popular, family-run restaurant in Crystal Palace is set to close after serving the community for more than four decades.This Is Local London · 12 Oct, 20:00

In this story: Lorenzo · Crystal Palace · Lorenzo

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