Raja Monkey, a much-loved Indian restaurant located in Hall Green, Birmingham, has permanently closed its dine-in service after 13 years. The Stratford Road establishment, owned by the Lasan Group, served its last sit-down meal on Sunday, May 10, 2026.
Transition to Dark Kitchen
While the physical restaurant is shutting its doors, the brand will continue to operate as a 'dark kitchen' — a delivery-only concept. Customers can still order their favourite dishes through takeaway and delivery platforms.
Reasons for Closure
The restaurant's team cited a combination of financial pressures as the driving force behind the decision. In a statement, they explained: "Like many in our industry, we have faced an increasingly challenging and demanding climate — from rising utility costs to mounting taxes and operating pressures." These economic factors have made it unsustainable to maintain a full-service dining venue.
Customer Reaction
Regular diners expressed their disappointment at the news. One loyal customer described Raja Monkey as "the best place I have ever eaten", while many others took to social media to share their fond memories of meals enjoyed at the restaurant.
Previous Closure
This is not the first setback for the Raja Monkey brand. A second branch in Harborne had already closed in September 2024 after just over a year of operation, indicating broader challenges for the restaurant group.
What Remains
Despite the closure of the dine-in service, the Lasan Group has assured customers that the same high-quality dishes will be available through the new dark kitchen model. The team thanked patrons for their "support, loyalty, and love" over the past 13 years, and expressed hope that the delivery service will continue to bring the flavours of Raja Monkey to the community.
