A BBC comedian is devastated to see a beloved cafe shut and mourns for the “noble institution.”
The star shared a tribute on social media after the restaurant announced its closure on social media in October last year.
Customers are gutted that one of Glasgow’s most popular cafes has shut[/caption]
Cafe GoGo announced it was coming to the end of its lease in October[/caption]
Comedian Frankie Boyle shared a tribute to the WiFi-free cafe saying is was a great place to ‘avoid the distractions of the internet’[/caption]
Cafe GoGo, in Glasgow’s West End on Cresswell, Lane revealed it was closing by advertising the space as “available to lease” after running for 30 years.
Of one their loyal customers is Scottish comedian and writer Frankie Boyle who frequented the cafe and was sad to see it go, saying the gluten-free biscuits were a particular favourite of his.
The cafe lacked WiFi according to the outspoken Scot, and for this reason it was one of his favourite spots.
Without the disturbance of the internet, Boyle was able to write on interrupted – although he wonders if this was why the venue was being forced to shut.
On social media, he shared: ““Farewell to this noble institution and its gluten-free Empire biscuits.
“The WiFi hadn’t worked for eight years, which may have been a factor in its demise.
“I could write there and avoid the distractions of the internet, or other customers.
“Rest easy.”
Cafe GoGo served a range of breakfast and lunch dishes from toast, pancakes, and fry-ups to sandwiches, soups, and salads.
It was one of the area’s longest running, and largest coffee shops, and offered seating and snacks to go.
With the lease coming to an end, the current owner is now looking for someone to take his place and run the joint which is priced at £69,950.
The popular cafe detailed the closure on Facebook, writing in October: “The well-loved West End institution Cafe GoGo is now available for lease in the prime West End location of Cresswell Lane.
“Parallel to Byres Road, it benefits from being within a busy thoroughfare for students and the general public going to and from the neighbouring Cafe Andaluz and Zizzi’s as well as the bustle of Ashton Lane which houses bars, restaurants and the historic Grosvenor Picture Theatre.
“This well-kept unit won’t be available long and would be ideal for anyone from a national brand to someone looking for an exciting self-employment opportunity.
“Prior to closing, the business benefited from high levels of repeat custom from locals and visitors to the area.”
Residents, students, passersby were all fond of the venue, not to mention former Mock the Week panellists.
Customers are wondering what will replace the cafe and who will take over the “well-loved West End institution.”
With 3.5 stars on Trip Advisor, and rated the number 154 of all cafes in Glasgow, the spot received a range of reviews with most of them singing the little local’s praises.
One customer said: “Does what it says on the tin, unpretentious reasonably priced cafe.
“Would come here for a bacon or fried egg roll and coffee, all hot and tasty.”
Another happy diner said: “After a long time away we called into our favourite wee bistro in the West End.
“You always get a lovely welcome from the staff and as always their carrot coriander and coconut soup was delish.”
A third shared: “I have already given this cafe a review and cannot praise it enough.
“The staff are so nice and whenever we’re in the West end it’s our ‘go go’ to place.”
Now on Google the beloved venue is marked as “permanently closed” and coffee-lovers and writers will have to look elsewhere to their caffeine fix and internet escape.
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter
Many Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans
