The owner of a Nottingham cafe, who had been all set to close, has made a surprise announcement to the delight of regulars. Today (February 24) was meant to be the final day for Frothy Cafe, a fixture in Victoria Market for 50 years.
Owner Steve Dyer had been notified about a package of compensation and a date for leaving by Nottingham City Council, which last year announced it was considering options for the market's future. The local authority revealed it would cost £39million to keep the market within Victoria Centre open for the rest of its lease.
Mr Dyer had been gearing up to close after serving customers for one last time today and had already planned to get rid of some of the tables and equipment. Three of the nine staff have already left and found other jobs and Mr Dyer has been running down stock.
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However, after the council's update that it was now considering whether the financial impact of closing the market is the best use of taxpayers' money, Mr Dyer has decided to extend his stay. Earlier this week he said all the traders were in the dark over whether they were staying or going.
"It's a horrible, horrible situation to be in," he said. He has now told customers in a Facebook message: "Due to the ongoing confusion regarding Nottingham City Council's decision to close the Victoria Market we now will be staying open for the foreseeable future.
"We are yet to hear any confirmation from the council of their intentions, other than the initial plan for us to close on the February 24, 2023, will be postponed for now and we will remain open. We apologise for any inconvenience and confusion this may have caused, given the unknown circumstances and information we have been given as to the future of Frothy Coffee."
Regulars of the cheap and cheerful cafe, where a cup of coffee costs £1.10, said they were delighted about the decision. One replied: "Good to hear, see you this Saturday as usual then." Another customer said: "Fantastic, you've made my day."
Mr Dyer said the cafe he has run for six years is a lifeline for customers, many of them pensioners, who come in daily - sometimes more than once a day. As well as being able to share the company of others, spending time there helps them save on energy bills at home.
He said: "This lady comes in every single day, she has two weak teas. She'll come in the morning and will come back in the afternoon. In that time in between she'll be walking around the Vic Centre and then she'll go home. There's a lot like that.
"They'll sit there doing crossword puzzles. They don't have to put the heating on at home."
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