A Glasgow couple who have run a much-loved south side cafe are retiring after 40 years.
Dino and Mirella, who own Bluebird Cafe, will close their doors for the final time on Saturday (May 7).
The treasured Glasgow establishment in Govanhill has been a community pillar and the couple's daughter has posted an emotional tribute to to the establishment.
She said: "I know the news is out so On behalf of Dino and Mirella at the Bluebird Cafe, I’m sharing the bittersweet news of their impending retirement on Saturday, 7th May 2022.
"Mum and dad would like to thank from the very bottom of their hearts the kind and loyal customers and now friends who have visited the Bluebird for the past 40 years. It’s so sad to let go of something that is so incredibly special to us all, but the time has come for them to enjoy a well-earned rest with their growing family.
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"They have watched your children grow from little ones who now have families of their own, to seeing a lot of you become grandparents, to losing many good people through the years too. They have shared in your ups and downs, your trials and tribulations, your happy news and your sorrows. A lot of you have watched us grow up and work our shifts and now have families of our own.
"The cafe has seen first dates, friend meet-ups, treats after school, a coffee after the doctors, ice cream after chapel, or maybe just a place to sit and think. It’s a place most of you have grown up with and walked through the doors at some point in your life. Some of the stories you have shared have made mum and dad cry with laughter or cry with sadness. All equally special to them."
She added that they are "so sorry to put the shutters down one final time" but asked their customers to remember the cafe with "fond memories".
The message continued: "As they go onto the next chapter of their lives, know how grateful we all are for your kindness, loyalty and custom over the past 40 years. It has given us the wonderful life we have today, and we are eternally grateful.
"We will be so sorry to put the shutters down one final time but hope you will remember us with fond memories of your time at the Bluebird to share with your families for many more years to come.
"It has been our honour and privilege as well as a great pleasure to serve the many good people of Govanhill who have walked through our doors for the past four decades.
"With our deepest gratitude and love from our family to yours and the ‘Bluebird Cafe.' We will miss you all."
