A cafe which has been at the centre of a town’s high street for more than a decade is closing.
Baileys Coffee Shop and Sandwich Bar, at no.22 Sittingbourne High Street, will shut its doors for the final time today.
The eatery was first opened in July 2012 by then-owner Sally Reeves.
She had started the business after taking on the building previously occupied by Must’d and Mayo.
Sittingbourne’s Whistling Postman, Dale Howting, was there when it welcomed its first customers with his Olympic torch.
The business, which is sandwiched between the Yellow Stocks micropub and Autowash, has become known for its fresh baguettes, sandwiches and friendly staff.
The cafe’s owners, who have been in place for around a year, took to social media to announce the closure of the shop, which will be shutting at 3.30pm.
They said: “It is with great sadness to inform you that Baileys Coffee Shop and Sandwich Bar will be closing its doors indefinitely.
“James, Winnie, Mary, Trina, Angela, and Michelle would like to thank all our lovely customers for all your support and wonderful chats over the past year.
“It has been an absolute pleasure meeting you all and serving you great food and coffee.
“We will miss you all but I’m sure we’ll bump into each other in town.
“We will still continue providing service of deliciously baked cakes, food platters, tarts, scones and of course our delicious South African treats, boerewors, cheese grillers, russians, and biltong.
“Contact Winnie Tutt on 07384378203 to place your orders. Take care and God bless you all.”
Customers took to social media to express their sadness at the fixture of the High Street leaving the town.
One said: “Ohh nooo, good luck to you in whatever you do next, and thank you.”
Another commenter posted: “Very sad news. Thank you for the friendly and welcoming service. Wishing you and your staff all the very best.”
“Really sorry to read this,” another said, “Been our ‘go to’ place and you will be missed so much.”
KentOnline has approached the cafe bosses for further information.
