The news has prompted hundreds of messages from fans of the pizzeria which has been hugely popular for five years
11:59, 24 Apr 2026Updated 15:23, 24 Apr 2026
Inside Pranzo on Station Road.(Image: Pranzo)
A much loved Italian restaurant in Whitley Bay has closed its doors suddenly amid a dispute with an energy company. The owners of Pranzo Trattoria on Station Road say they are “truly sorry” about the abrupt end to the pizza and pasta eatery that opened in 2021 and has earned rave reviews from diners.
Tuscan-born Pablo Masucci, who runs the restaurant with his wife Louise, took to social media to say the pair have faced a “constant stream of problems” over the last year, culminating in award-winning Pranzo’s closure. Mr Masucci said the restaurant’s power had been cut off by supplier Positive Energy – who he is challenging via the Energy Ombudsman.
He wrote: “The last 12 months has been hard for us all, we’re only human and have experienced a lot of hardships ourselves, like many of you in the community and the country. Unfortunately, this is one fight too many and in this unjust world of a crippling economy we are just another small family business that closes because of the greed of others.
Pranzo’s food has been praised as ‘unreal’ and ‘brilliant’ by diners(Image: Pranzo)
“We are especially sorry for our wonderful team — our current staff, who we truly love and cherish. We will do our best to do right by you all. We tried everything we could to keep going. We are going to miss you all so much.”
Pranzo’s closure comes after the shutting of its sister, deli shop late last year, which had been opened only 18 months prior. Mr Masucci had cited soaring utility costs, council taxes and food and drink costs as reasons for the move.
In his message about the restaurant closure, Mr Masucci added: “To our wonderful customers, over the past five years, you have shown us incredible love and support. It has been a privilege to watch your families grow alongside ours.
“To anyone who had a booking with us over the next month, we’re so sorry we won’t be able to fulfil your request. To those who have paid deposits and purchased vouchers, please come to see us. We will do our best to do right by you too.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our authentic food, our friendly team, and all the laughs and banter we shared together. May we hold a special place in your hearts as your happy place, because you were ours.”
The announcement has spurred a huge reaction from disappointed customers, who took to Facebook to show their support for Pranzo.
One customer said: “This is not ok!! Your beautiful restaurant has brought people from far and wide to Whitley Bay and has been a massive asset to the local area. Whitley Bay would be nothing without independent businesses. I’m so sad for you all. It’s so clear you’ve put your heart and soul into your business and you should be so proud.”
Another customer wrote: “Absolutely gutted to be reading this. You created an amazing restaurant and will be a huge miss to many people. Thank you for all the hospitality and laughs we’ve enjoyed with you over the years. I hope you find a resolution or find some other way to come back. You’ll certainly have plenty of loyal customers who’ll follow you.”
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Dining and Cooking