Fans of Tyneside Cinema have been left deeply saddened by news that its much-loved Coffee Rooms is to shut down this coming weekend.
News of the closure was announced on the Newcastle cinema's Facebook page on Wednesday, with just a few days' notice of the plans. Shocked customers were told that the cafe will close from Sunday "for the foreseeable future" because it is no longer viable, although the space will be used to host occasional events.
Rising fuel bills and food costs due to the cost of living crisis are blamed for the loss of the historic Tyneside Coffee Rooms which opened in 1938 and, like the independent cinema itself, is seen as a city institution. Many people have been sharing their sadness at the announcement - and their fond memories of dining there over the years.
Read more: the story of Tyneside Coffee Rooms in pictures
The cafe was seen by many as an oasis of calm where people could escape the city hubbub and chat over the likes of soup and baked potatoes One wrote on the Facebook page: "The end of an era … so many happy lunches there over decades" and another said: "Oh no, it's been part of my social life since 1963. Grief stricken already." Another response included: "One of the most special places in the city. Unique. Characterful. What a loss to those of us who love the elegance and gentle atmosphere."
In its announcement to "valued guests", the cinema's statement read: "We will be closing Tyneside Coffee Rooms in its current guise with effect from Sunday, February 19. This decision has been taken due to the continually rising energy and ingredient costs meaning it is not currently financially viable for us to run three bars and restaurants in our historic cinema building."
Tyneside Cinema also houses the ground-floor Tyneside Bar Cafe and Vicolo and the statement added: "To make sure all our guests continue to be well catered for, we will instead re-direct our hospitality efforts to serving Tyneside Coffee Rooms favourites in addition to our regular menu offer in our Tyneside Bar Cafe, including toasties, soups, quiches, cakes and pastries made by our wonderful pastry chef Alice."
It thanked people for their support and custom and said: "We will continue to host special events in Tyneside Coffee Rooms alongside our film programme including afternoon teas and supper clubs as well as offering the space for private hires."
Among the reaction from its Facebook followers was: "Really sad to see this, I was a regular for many years and loved the eclectic mix of people and the lovely atmosphere." Another said: "How sad. Been going to the Tyneside tea rooms for over 60 years."
One called it "a very sad day", recalling his mam going there for toasted teacakes in the sixties and writing: "It's been a Tyneside institution for decades and was unique in the city"; another said: "The very first cafe I went to when I moved to Tyneside in 86! Loved the veggie burger and chips" and one added: "Most of my early college days were spent in there".
Others remarked that the Coffee Rooms had changed, with a reduced menu, and was not what it was while there was understanding too of the cost-of-living situation, with reaction including "Sad reflection of current times" and "Very sad news; hopefully the financial climate will improve (ever hopeful)."
One comment upon the closure read: "Oh what a shame - it’s such a special place. To paraphrase a famous line from Casablanca “Of all the bars in the building - did you have to choose that one?" However, glad it will still be open for special events."
Tyneside Cinema is a charity and survived the pandemic lockdown with the help of a fund-raiser and with a new team at the helm. Its post-lockdown opening in 2021 was delayed by a flood which caused huge damage to the listed building then came a phased reopening which included the relaunch of the Coffee Rooms in its latter stages.
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