A POPULAR Newton Aycliffe coffee house has announced that it has made the tough decision to close its doors permanently – leaving hundreds of loyal customers devastated.

Café Pronto revealed yesterday (January 17) that it would cease trading at its premises on Beveridge Way – effectively ending a 15-year connection to the town centre.

Over the last decade and a half, the café has cemented itself as one of the go-to spots in Aycliffe for family meals, collections on order and delivery of food, including steaks, parmos, roast dinners and beer-battered fish and chips.

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Breaking the news of its closures, a statement on the café’s website, which was posted yesterday, read: “It is with a very heavy heart and a decision that has not been taken lightly that as from Monday, January 17, 2022, Cafe Pronto in Aycliffe Town Centre will be closed.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our lovely customers for their support over the many years we have been trading.”

After posting the statement on its website to its old customers, Café Pronto received an ‘emotional’ outpouring from those that have visited the coffee shop time and time again, as well as made friends with the staff that worked there.  

The Northern Echo: Loyal customers of the café have called the news a "huge loss" from the town centre.Loyal customers of the café have called the news a "huge loss" from the town centre.

Sharing some of their memories and reminiscing about Café Pronto, one social media user commented on the post: “I knew that it would close. I had a feeling. The rents are expensive in the town centre. Good luck to all of the staff and friends I've gained along the way – I’m so sorry you are going,” while another wrote: “This was one of my favourite places to go and chat to some friends about things that happened and that are going on, and it was also one of my gran’s favourite places as well.”

Meanwhile, others focused on the ‘death’ of Newton Aycliffe – highlighting that several other independent businesses have left over the last few years.

One commenter said: “Another one bites the dust. Before long there is going to be nothing left in the town.”

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Despite announcing the closure yesterday, it’s not all doom and gloom for Café Pronto after it was confirmed that some variation of the café would be staying open on the town’s industrial estate.

Café Pronto Express, which the business established alongside the main café, will be remaining open for delivery and collection from 4pm until 9pm (Thursday to Saturday) on Unit D, Woodham Road within Aycliffe Industrial Park.

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