Decision on café sat in shopping centre for 26 years leaves people devastated

CAFFE SIDOLI'S IS SET TO CLOSE ON FEBRUARY 23 AFTER 26 YEARS AT THE OUTLET SHOPPING CENTRE 15:55, 04 Feb 2025Updated 10:18, 05 Feb 2025 A popular café at Bridgend's McArthur Glen

shopping centre is set to shut at the end of February. Caffe Sidoli's has been a staple of the outlet shopping centre in Bridgend since it first opened more than 26 years ago and is

extremely popular with customers. Caffe Sidoli's will be closing on Sunday, February 23, and it has not yet been confirmed what will replace it. Both staff and customers have been left

devastated by the news and disappointed customers have set up a petition to try and save the much-loved independent café. John Goodson and his wife are loyal customers and visit the café

multiple times a week. He said: "My wife and I go there twice a week for coffee and a toasted teacake and have done so for 20 years. It is always busy with customers of all ages, many

sitting outside whilst their children or grandchildren are in the adjacent playpark." _From superstar gigs to cosy pubs,find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our __newsletter

here_. John and his wife are two of many regular customers at the café. Claire Louise is the manager of Caffe Sidoli's and has worked there for almost 26 years. She said: "We are

right next to the play area and a lot of people come here just for this reason – to have a coffee, something to eat, and watch their kids play in the park. "A lot of elderly people also

come and it's a social thing for them. We have a chat with them and that is their social activity for the week. I'm just absolutely devastated. We're such a lovely team – we

all work so well together and bring a nice atmosphere to the place. We are part of the furniture." Article continues below Rebecca Jones signed the petition and wrote: "So sad that

a decision has been made to close this lovely café. The effect of this café's closure on the regular customers will be massive." Claudia Scicluna said: "Sidoli's is the

best place at McArthur Glen to have decent food, coffee, cakes and chat with family and friends. Without Sidoli there will only be chains such as Costa, Starbucks or Greggs. Very

disappointing. I've enjoyed meeting at Sidoli's with my children, my mum, and now my granddaughter. Sidoli's will be missed terribly." Hayden Tucker, centre manager at

McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Bridgend, said: “We are always striving to evolve and introduce new brands to provide our customers with fresh choices. We understand that it can be

disappointing when a familiar brand is no longer available but we hope that our guests will find enjoyment in discovering the new brands that have taken its place.” Article continues below