The Coffee Pot, situated towards the bottom of Union Street in Ryde, is to serve its last coffee later this month after more than 50 years of service.
The café first opened in 1968 and for the past 32 years has been run by owner Carole Osgood.
Carole, who was formerly the head cook at the Mountbatten Centre, is retiring to spend more time with her grandchild, Maya.
The café was shut for a year when the sports shop next door was firebombed by animal rights activists in 1994. The fire destroyed the flat above The Coffee Pot, which required a new roof.
Speaking to Island Echo, Carole said:
“I’ve loved meeting all the different people in the café. I wouldn’t have done it for 32 years if I didn’t like it. But the responsibility is continuous with all the rules and regulations that get harder over the years.
“I will deeply miss it and all my friends and customers. Being shut for 4 months during Covid made me realise I enjoyed time off. I’d never spent time in my own home before. I enjoy gardening.
“I’ve had some customers for 32 years. Some are the children of my original clients. Where else could I go where I would get hugs and greetings from those I meet? It’s been an honour serving them every day.
Article continues below this advertisement “The scooter boys have been fab. Some have been coming all the time I’ve been here. I’ve never had any trouble from them at all. I’m packed out every scooter weekend and do 1,000 meals a day on an August Bank Holiday.”
The last coffee will be served on Saturday 19th February 2022 with the building set to be taken over by the owners of a local Indian restaurant.
Another little bit of Ryde bites the dust.
Such a shame, proper old school.
Meat and two veg and a proper mug of tea. No arty farty fairy cakes and the like. Sad they could not sell it as a going concern, I know they tried.
Good luck guys. You will be missed.
Well done you for your long service to the public and enjoy your garden and loving your grandchild. They are only little for such a short time.
Very sad news.
In this current climate running a business must be very difficult.
Far too many costs, now with increased energy bills it’s even harder.
Great proper Cafe. I loved the old Pepsi ash trays you used to have BITD.
Great place not yuppy fide like most of the island is going just honest good food with a smile been going there for 45 years have a happy retirement you deserve it
Remember some very happy memories in the coffee pot from many years ago. Sad to see this close
Union Street will seem odd without the coffee pot frontage on it.
Sad loss for Ryde, best of luck.
Proper cafe, proper food and good value, always popped in there before I got the ferry for a decent “filling” meal and a nice big mug of tea. Sad to see it go.