An award-winning cafe in Newcastle has closed suddenly after 20 years in the city centre.
Signs were posted in the front window of Cafe Royal, in Nelson Street, revealing that the business would be shutting down with immediate effect.
It comes less than two years after the continental-style cafe, owned by Sir John Fitzgerald, was named Best Cafe in the Newcastle Awards 2018.
The customer notice posted in the window said: "It is with a heavy heart that we have taken the decision to close Cafe Royal with immediate effect.
"We're so grateful to our incredibly loyal customers; it's been a pleasure to serve you all over the years. We look forward to bringing you news of our exciting new ventures very soon.
"Thank you for 20 wonderful years."
Sir John Fitzgerald signed off the notice by urging customers to continue following their social media channels for further updates.
The company, which owns a number of pubs and restaurants around Newcastle, has not yet revealed why the cafe has closed.
The sudden news comes about a year after Cafe Royal re-opened following a four-week closure for an extensive refurbishment.
