A popular Grantham cafe has announced it is to close after 17 years following the pandemic.

The family-owned Cafe Leo in Westgate made the announcement on Facebook last night, attracting more than 100 comments in return.

Paul Meakin, his partner Jessica Vincent and his father Roy Meakin, have run the cafe for the past ten years, and they said the closure was with "a very heavy heart and great sadness."

The Facebook post said in full: "It is with a very heavy heart and great sadness that we announce that following the pandemic Café Leo will not be reopening.

"It has been 17 years since Café Leo opened its doors and for the last 10 years we have been the owners. It has been an amazing journey that we never predicted ending this way. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers for your support through the years, even over the last year when the Café has been closed more than it has been open.

"We would also like to thank our friends and family for their support over the years and through these tough times as well as all the staff that have worked with us over the years.

"During our time at Café Leo we have seen so many Cafés come and go in Grantham and always felt the pain for the owners when they shut. I don't think it's anything you can quite prepare yourself for. It's not the first time we have seen tough times, but we've always bounced back. However with the uncertainty of the future this time we won't be opening our doors again.

"In the near future we will be looking for someone to take over the lease, we will release further information along with contact details in the coming weeks for anyone who is interested, however we will not be able to give out any information until 7th June.

"Thank you for your support and the wonderful memories

"Paul & Jess"

Among the comments underneath, Kays of Grantham said: "Thank you for being my nextdoor neighbour for the past 6 years!! I'll miss you & team Leo. I totally understand how hard its been for you to come to this decision and when you are in town it will be my pleasure to make you a coffee....although it will be instant 😠love & best wishes for your future Kays Of Grantham xx"

Rebecca Lloyd said: "Thank you so much, I've loved popping in every now and again. Always felt very welcome, even when I was just having a quick cuppa on my own."

And Jean Robinson commented: "So sorry you provided amazing food and service. Will miss you and wish you good luck for the future. Sad times."