A beloved south Dublin cafe is set to call "last orders" later this month after five years in business.
The Cookbook Cafe on the Glasthule Road in Sandycove is to close its doors for the last time on Sunday, March 8.
Owner and head chef Audrey McDonald posted a farewell message on Facebook, confirming that she would be stepping away after a celebration of the cafe over the next week.
In a message to customers, the Cookbook Cafe said: "After five years of great fun, wonderful dishes and many memorable days and nights Audrey has made the tough decision to step away from the Cookbook cafe and the restaurant will be closing its doors for the final time on Sunday March 8.
"The dream of opening a restaurant was a lifelong one for Audrey and the Cookbook Cafe made it come true in many exciting ways. It became a vital part of Glasthule village, a destination for food lovers and a wonderful hub where people came together to enjoy a passion for food, good company and wonderful music.
"Laughter was indeed brightest where food was best.
"But it was also very demanding and indeed at times all-consuming and with a young family Audrey feels it a good time, as we approach our 5th anniversary, to step back, draw breath and enjoy this time.
"We cannot thank enough the wonderful staff who worked tirelessly to make the restaurant so welcoming (Guy) and the food so memorable (Guisseppe) and the fabulous customers who became at times part of the family.
"Before we go however we are planning to celebrate and would invite all to join us from now until the chef calls "last orders" on March 8. There will be special menus, celebratory dishes and, as usual expertly curated music playlists. It would be a joy to see you all one more time."
Many customers over the last five years left lovely messages remembering the cafe and its impact on the community.
One said: "So sad. Such a wonderful place. Incredible food. Warm service and it was always a privilege to eat there. To Audrey, Tom and family, the team and everyone else who will miss cookbook. Thank you . I’m sad it’s ending but so glad it happened."
While another added: "Ah that is sad I had two lovely dinners down there with Fitzy and Becks and it was such a great atmosphere with Tom on the decks and the food was always amazing, but life is for living so now is the time to enjoy the kids and do all the other things that you wanted to do, best of luck and make some more fab memories xx."
How to follow Dublin Live on social media
You can like our main Facebook page here.
Our Dublin Live Sports Page - which brings you all your Dublin sports news - can be found here.
The Dublin Live Twitter account is @DublinLive.
Our Instagram account can be found here.
