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Century-old cafe prepares for closure

Andy WatsonBBC North East and Cumbria
News imageBBC Sue Dugan dressed in a navy blue apron is standing in Valente's kitchen. She is cooking on a large hot plate including: bacon, two sausage pattys and mushrooms. There are silver pots for tea and coffee on the counter behind and two people standing waiting to be served.BBC
Valente's cafe on Church Street in Seaham opened in 1920

After more than 106 years in business a cafe is to close its doors for the final time.

Sue Dugan, whose grandparents opened Valentes Cafe in Church Street in Seaham, County Durham, in 1920 said it had been a "difficult decision" to shut and she would miss the customers.

The family-owned business was founded by Frank and Carmela Valente in 1920 and had been passed down two generations to Dugan and the couple's other grandaughter Maria Blain, who are co-owners.

The final breakfast has been served and the cafe will welcome its last customers on Saturday.

Dugan said: "I'll miss my customers who are like friends and family, but I won't miss coming home with a bad back after being on my feet all day.

"I want to thank my staff they've been my rock, one has been with me for 30 years and the other 17 years, I can't thank them enough.

"It's been a hard, I've worked here since I was 13 but I'm looking forward to what comes next."

The venue was previously run by Vena Valente and Billy Matthews, and its co-owners took over the reins in 2008.

News imageValentes Cafe on Seaham's Church Street. The door and the exterior are painted navy blue and has a sign which reads "Valentes established in 1920."
The cafe closes on Saturday with co-owner Sue Dugan set to retire

Customers piled into the cafe in the run up to the final day to wish Dugan well in her retirement, dropping off cards and flowers.

Margaret Dodds, 92, and her daughter Sue Tomlin, 62, said they were sad about the closure.

"I'm a child of the war so I've grown up with the family and the cafe has always been here, they came over from Italy and it's just a lovely place to come.

"I feel sad it's closing," Margaret Dodds said.

Sue Tomlin's first job was working at Valentes when she was 14.

"It's very sad for the family but we wish Sue a very happy retirement," she said.

The cafe has been sold to a new owner and what is planned for it is unknown, at this stage.

News imageSue Tomlin dressed in a pink blouse with blond hair sits next to her mother Margaret who is wearing a blue and white blouse with a white jacket.
Sue Tomlin and mum Margaret Dodds wished the co-owner a "very happy" retirement

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