A cafe described as a real "asset" to a Nottinghamshire village will be closing its doors for good next month. Owners Vaughan and Vicky Prendergast said there had been 10 years of laughs and giggles serving customers behind the counter at Chef's Cafe in East Leake.
"It is with much sadness that we have to advise everyone that the Chef's Cafe will be closing its doors for the final time on Tuesday, June 28. Thank you, everyone, for your support over the last ten years, we have really enjoyed it," is how they broke the news on Facebook.
The traditional village cafe, in Gotham Road, is loved by locals for its full English known as 'The Works', hash browns, homemade lasagne and free refills of tea. Customers, saddened by the news, said they will be sorry to see the couple go.
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Vaughan, who opened the cafe after leaving the Royal Navy, told Nottinghamshire Live he will be 61 this year and with the lease due for renewal he didn't want to sign up for another 10 years. "It's a shame really - it's been a giggle but I can't do this until I'm 71. I don't think it will be vacant too long. There's quite a loyal following.
"Ten years ago a lot of the kids would come in and they are now coming in with their kids. It's been 10 full-on years. It was a bit of a random thing to do [after leaving the Navy] but it's been enjoyable. You've got to make an awful cup of coffee before somebody wants to shoot you for it," said the former leading hand.
The couple don't have any firm plans for the future. However, Vaughan said: "We thought we'd get part-time jobs to keep us ticking over."
Between now and June 28 it is business as usual, so customers can pop in for a cuppa and a natter, with many saying they will miss the banter. One said: "It's a real shame. The owners were always friendly and offered free tea refills constantly.
"We used to go there lots. It's a great place for a no-fuss full English and breakfast cobs. It was always busy. Lots of builders use it, families and older folk in the village too."
A customer, commenting on the closure announcement on Facebook, said: "We will miss you guys, such a lovely cafe and lovely owners! Such an asset to the village you will be missed."
Others said it was terrible news. "You both light up the village and will be sorely missed," said a fan. The cafe has been popular with vegetarians. "Really sorry to read this, I loved bringing my boys during the summer holidays for good food at reasonable prices, plus as a vegetarian you were one of my first choices to visit as you always had so much to offer," said another villager.
