‘Heartbreak’ as popular café to serve last orders

Apopular Angus café will close permanently this weekend as bosses say the coronavirus crisis has made it impossible to stay open.

The family- run Pendé Café in Arbroath will shut its doors for the final time tomorrow.

Owner Kelly McWilliams said the closure earlier this year and restrictions on hospitality had left her unable to make ends meet.

Devastated Kelly, 42, started working in the Market Place café 16 years ago, then Dukes Bistro, before taking it over two years later.

She said: “We received a government grant back in April ( but) the funding soon ran out, what with rent, rates, electricity, telephone and staff wages, it just wasn’t possible to stay financially viable.

“I just couldn’t continue waking up every morning in tears.

“I first started working in the premises as an employee, then I took over 14 years ago with a little help from my family, renaming it the Pendé Café.

“My staff and I have worked hard building up a fabulous regular customer clientele.”

Sister Lizzie McWilliams, 41, works at the café along with mum Bella, 63. Lizzie said: “It’s so sad. “The hospitality industry has been one of the hardest h it and the latest restrictions have made it even harder.

“So many people are losing jobs and it’s just horrible to watch.”

Before lockdown, the café was a popular meeting place for locals.

Regular customer Diane Stuart said: “I feel like I’ve lost my second home because the staff treat you like family.

“The café also provides a great service to pensioners to meet for a coffee and friendly chat.”

Independent councillor Lois Speed also visited ahead of the closure.

She said: “It is absolutely heartbreaking. Kelly, her family and all the staff have worked hard over the years to make the café a success.

“The Pendé Café is very well respected and known not only for serving great food but always going

above and beyond to provide excellent customer service and making everyone feel welcome.

“It was always service with a smile and it’s just so sad to see the devastation and loss that they are experiencing.

“I’ve met a number of regular customers who are saddened by this news.”

FAMILY AFFAIR: Lizzie, Bella and Kelly McWilliams have worked hard to make the Arbroath café a success.