Saagor, which first opened in 1999, announced it would shut on July 5 after 27 years serving the local community.
In a farewell message to customers, the family behind the business described it as an “absolute privilege” to serve generations of residents, marking countless birthdays, anniversaries and family occasions. They said they had “welcomed children who now bring in their own children” and paid tribute to regulars who had become “part of the Saagor family”.
The closure marks the end of an era for one of Penarth’s long‑standing food outlets. Saagor’s chefs led by head chef Iqbal H, who has been “cooking up masterpieces for nearly 25 years”, with sous chef Alamgir H and tandoori specialist Zahirul I, built a reputation for innovation and variety, offering dishes from extremely mild options to rich and pungent flavours.
The team prided itself on pushing the boundaries of Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine to match locals’ changing tastes, highlighting specialities such as Shatkora, made with a wild orange from north‑eastern Bangladesh that became a favourite among regulars.
Soon after the announcement, new signage began appearing at 104 Glebe Street as Crispy Bird started sharing its plans on social media. In posts, the team say they want to recognise “what came before”, describing Saagor as a “much‑loved local business” and wishing its owners “nothing but success for the future”, while promising to bring the space “back to life” with a different concept.
Crispy Bird has been documenting the transformation online, telling followers “It’s officially taking shape” as the old branding comes down and new colours go up.
The business says it has been blown away by support from Penarth residents, thanking those who have stopped to chat, beeped their car horns or asked when they will open, and stressing that the journey is one “we’re building with the community”.
As the kitchen is stripped out and refitted with new equipment, the team are inviting customers to help shape the menu. Early plans include fried and rotisserie chicken, loaded fries and loaded desserts, with locals encouraged to suggest favourite flavours, sides, dips and puddings – from vegan options and milkshakes to peri‑peri wraps, chimichurri sauces and chicken‑and‑waffles combinations. Comments so far have called for gluten‑free choices, veggie toppings, coleslaws, healthy sides and lunchtime meal deals for school holidays.
In their posts, Crispy Bird also echo Saagor’s plea for residents to support small businesses, describing independent traders as “the heart of our community” and urging people to “shop local”, “support independent businesses” and “use” cash rather than lose it.
For Penarth, the arrival of Crispy Bird means the end of one long‑standing takeaway but the beginning of a new chapter for the town’s food scene, as locals wait to see how the new chicken shop will make its mark on Glebe Street.
