An iconic Stroud café site that has served customers since the 1970s is set to close at the end of this month.
Previously a Wimpy in the 1970s, the Penny Farthing Café has been a long-standing fixture on the Stroud High Street and has provided traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner menu options for more than two decades.
A heartfelt note to inform customers of the closure has been placed on the café front door, it reads: “Dear customers, we regret to inform you that we will be closing down in the coming days.
“We would like to thank you all for your support over the years, here at Penny Farthing. Best of wishes, Sharaz, Mitch, Julie and Evie.”
For many, the café evokes nostalgia of a bygone Stroud: “I remember after The Gorge closed in the Merrywalks precinct, the owner moved into the Penny Farthing and kept the Gorge bench seats.”
Martin Long said: “I used to go into the cafe when it was a Wimpy in the 1980s. Stroud has changed so much since then – hardware store Smith & Lee was next door, where Holland & Barratt is now.”
Jim Greenshields who travels from Gloucester to enjoy a regular cooked breakfast, said: “I’ve enjoyed going in over the years and always enjoyed the banter with the staff. The food is always freshly cooked and good value.
“This is a great loss for Stroud and they will be missed and fondly remembered.”
Two years ago the café was used as a film set for The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, starring Oscar-winning actor Jim Broadbent.
