THE Blenheim Gardens Cafe has closed after 50 years catering for visitors.

Manager Suzanne Dean bid a tearful farewell to the cafe on Wednesday (October 31), and said she had been moved by the amount of people who had said they were sorry to see the cafe close, and wished her well for the future.

Suzanne. 63, has been in charge of the cafe for 25 years, having taken it over from her parents Kath and Ernie Griffiths who had run it since 1968.

“I could not believe the amount of lovely messages we have received since making the announcement, people have even come in crying,” Mrs Dean said.

“I have loved being here and feel lucky to have been here this long,” she said.

Mrs Dean said she had received papers from West Somerset Council at the end of September changing the terms of lease and decided not to renew as the new price was too expensive.

“It has been wonderful but the cafe is not without its problems - obviously we do not get a lot of passing trade during the winter and the building itself could really do with a bit of renovating,” Mrs Dean said.

“But we have a fantastic location and a welcoming atmosphere, and haven’t changed too much over the years.

“It is lovely here when it is sunny and we are busy but we are really dependent on the weather and events in the park.

“I have had some wonderful times here though and met many wonderful people.

“I have helped rescue a parrot that got lost here once, I have dressed up as a pirate and Peppa Pig and have always loved meeting the children who come here.”

She added: “I have even broken up the odd fight that breaks out in the gardens.”

Suzanne said she would like to thank all of her customers and staff over the years, as well as her two brothers Martin and Tom who had helped out significantly.