A “high-end” County Durham steakhouse has closed, but the owners have allayed fears that the unit will remain empty.

Rib N Reef, a well-known steak and seafood restaurant in Durham’s city centre has closed for good, less than two years after opening. The owners saying their decision to shut shop is down to “stress and overwhelm”.

Opened in 2021, the family-run restaurant, located in the former Psyche unit on Silver Street, became an immediate hit in Durham – quickly coming to be a firm favourite for a fancy dinner or a Sunday roast.  

Read more: Inside Rib N Reef restaurant as it opens inside former Psyche in Durham

But a combination of factors has meant that the family has had to take the difficult decision to close the popular steakhouse – though the prime spot won’t stay empty for long.

The owners of Rib N Reef have assured customers that they plan to relocate their other eatery, Akarsu Turkish Restaurant and Grill, to 21 Silver Street – and have said that the restaurant could be up and running in as little as two weeks.

A family business through and through, Rib N Reef was owned by Joanne and Cengiz Akarsu, and managed by Bethany Kay.

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The Akarsu family said: “We want to thank you for the support, the friendship, even the grief at times. This has all been a huge learning curve.

“The last two years have been overwhelming and very stressful at times, not all business related but due to other factors too, like health. We simply couldn’t continue running two restaurants and decided the stress just wasn’t worth it.

“It is not all negative though, as we still have our beautiful building, which will undergo some further kitchen upgrades and décor to accommodate Akarsu moving down.

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“Big things are happening for Akarsu. The expansion has been a long time coming and very much needed. We have the best reputation in Durham City because our food is beautiful.

“Good times are finally happening, and we will be back to enjoying what we do once again. A combination of Rib N Reef and Akarsu chefs will be bringing you amazing culinary delights.”

The former location of Rib N Reef – 21 Silver Street – will be reopened as the relocated Akarsu Turkish Restaurant and Grill after undergoing redecoration and fitting work.