The boss of Tyneside Cinema has told how rocketing energy bills and food prices led to the decision to close its popular Coffee Rooms - a move which has shocked customers who called it the 'end of an era'.
Simon Drysdale, chief executive of Tyneside Cinema which is a charity, has explained the financial reasons behind the decision - but he also offers some hope for the future to fans of the much-loved cafe. Tyneside Coffee Rooms, which dates from 1938, will close from Sunday, following its last day of business on Saturday, and the cinema is now to focus its food and drink operations on its remaining two venues, the ground-floor Tyneside Bar Cafe and Vicolo.
Since the news was announced on Wednesday on the cinema's Facebook page, customers have been reacting with sadness, with comments including "Its closure will leave a hole in our lives" and "What a shame. Truly the end of an era" while one wrote: "Terrible news" adding that it will be a huge loss to North East heritage and culture. "
