A popular Liverpool eatery has been forced to close with immediate effect.
The management of Coast Cafe Bistro in Woolton Village said that the decision to cease trading was driven by their operating costs spiralling.
In a statement issued on their Facebook page, owners of the Allerton Road hangout announced on Monday that they had shut the doors for a final time.
“It is with a very heavy heart that we are having to announce the closure of Coast,” read a statement.
“As everyone knows, the trading conditions for the hospitality industry have been very difficult, with rapidly escalating costs.
“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!”