Bristolians have reacted with shock and sadness at the sudden closure of one of the city’s iconic cafes.
The Lockside, underneath the Cumberland Basin flyover network, has been put on the market after shutting its doors last week - and Bristol Live breaking the news prompted a wave of memories and love for the famous cafe.
The cafe featured regularly as ‘Sid’s cafe’ in Only Fools and Horses when the sitcom was filmed in Bristol in the late 1980s and early 1990s, but in recent years had tried to leave behind its greasy spoon reputation.
Read more: 'Iconic' Bristol cafe featured in Only Fools and Horses closes after 60 years
The reaction to the news of its closure was mainly one of sadness and thanks to the owners for running it for so long.
The venue on Brunel Lock Road started life as a transport cafe in 1963. In recent years, it was modernised and became a popular breakfast spot with a decked terrace and stunning views of the Avon Gorge and start of the Floating Harbour.
Lockside was run by the same family for nearly 20 years. Estate agents say that the sale is due to retirement, and the lease is available for anyone who wants to take it on.
Previously known as The Venturers Rest and Popeye's Diner, the building beneath the road was used as the location for Sid's Cafe in Only Fools & Horses in the 1980s. According to the Lockside website, it tried to play down its Del Boy ‘greasy spoon’ reputation when it had a refurbishment, jokingly calling itself a ‘polished spoon’ instead.
“I remember going there when it was a transport cafe about 55 years ago,” wrote Sally Coombs. “(I) used to work in a pub and after we finished work we would go for some food. Used to do lovely steak and chips,” she reminisced.
Annette Elizabeth also loved regular trips to the Lockside. “Loved going here for lunch and to pick up my sandwich orders. We also had several Christmas work parties here. So sorry its going the owners were lovely and so friendly,” she wrote.
Glenda Jordan wished Gary, the boss, a happy retirement. “No! So sad, loved this restaurant,” she wrote. “It will be missed by many of their customers. Sorry to see them close. I wish Gary a happy retirement.”
Angie Venus wrote that it was a shame the cafe had closed - as she met her husband there 54 years ago, while Johnny Demetriou described the news as ‘terrible’, as they were ‘the best breakfast venue in Bristol’.
Jane Fothergill thanks Gary, Darren and Sassy and ‘all the fantastic staff you’ve had over the last 17 years’. “And thanks for doing the last of Bob’s birthday bashes, it was a great send-off. Will miss you every Saturday at 12:30 and hope you are now on holiday having a great start to your retirement,” she added.
The cafe is for sale via Christie property agents with a price of offers in excess of £50,000 for the leasehold. The brochure says that turnover was ‘historically’ circa £500,000.
Christie's listing continues: "Known throughout Bristol since the 1960s, the venue famously featured in the BBC sitcom, Only Fools and Horses, before being successfully transformed by the current owner into a sophisticated daytime restaurant/café approximately 20 years ago. The owner is now reluctantly moving into retirement and there is now a wonderful opportunity to take on an iconic Bristol venue.
"The current owner has created a very well established and well loved venue in Bristol. As they enter retirement there is huge scope to continue the legacy of Lockside and build on that further with longer opening times or a different offering,” they added.
Ryan Williams said going to the Lockside was like going on holiday. “I’m gutted,” he wrote. “Was like being on holiday in there when you had to put your bread on the toaster carousel. Will be missed,” he added.
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