Owners of bistro say 'it's impossible to continue' in heartbreaking post to customers

A Merseyside bistro has announced it is closing in a heartfelt social media post.

Coast Café Bistro took to Facebook to tell its loyal customers it is being forced to shut its doors for good after a "combination of higher costs and reduced income". The owners of the venue, which is nestled in Woolton Village on Allerton Road, also explained how proud it was to have been able to contribute to the community as well as being "devastated" about the closure.

Writing on Facebook, the owners said: "It is with a very heavy heart that we are having to announce the closure of Coast. As everyone knows, the trading conditions for the hospitality industry have been very difficult, with rapidly escalating costs.

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"We appreciate how hard the cost of living crisis has also hit our customers. Unfortunately, the combination of higher costs and reduced income has made it impossible for us to continue.

"It has been a privilege to be a part of this wonderful community and we would like to thank our loyal customers, who have supported us through some of the most difficult times. Including a global pandemic! We would also like to thank our incredible staff who have worked tirelessly to make Coast the community hub that it has become. They couldn’t have done more to try to sustain the business.

"On a personal note, I would like to say how proud I am of what we have achieved at Coast and how we have contributed to this community. I am completely devastated that this is how it is coming to an end. It’s not often people can genuinely say they have loved working somewhere and I have been lucky enough to be one of those people.

"There are lots of other wonderful independent businesses in Woolton and close by, please support them as best you can. Thank you again for your wonderful support over the years! Love, Team Coast."

People flooded the comments with well wishes and memories as people reacted to the sad news the doors won't open again. Lynn Ryan wrote: "So sad wonderful place with wonderful staff. I had my mum's refreshments after her funeral upstairs in 2014 and have been a loyal customer ever since.

"Good luck for the future to you all and THANK YOU. Definitely my fave little place you will be so missed."

Karen Harding commented: "Really sad you’re closing. Wishing you all the best for the future Ian and the rest of the team. Will look back with very fond memories, Thursday lunch time sitting with my mum Rose at our table by the window. Lots of love Karen xxx"

Patricia Summers Harrison said: "I’m so very sorry to hear your news sorry for you and your family plus all your lovely staff I’ve really enjoyed my coffee and food I’ve had to pleasure to drink and eat at Coast. Good luck to everyone for the future xx"

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