MR TWITCHETT’S Coffee House & Bar may close after a decision from Stroud District Council to begin a consultation on its future following a £30,000 loss last year.

The café in the Subscriptions Rooms, which employs eight people who welcome 500 customers each week, will cease to trade during daytime hours.

Named after a former caretaker at the venue, the cosy bar offers light meals, hot drinks, spirits, wine and beer from Stroud Brewery as well as regular live entertainment.

Staff at the coffee shop believe the shop will close by April 1, however SDC state that the decision is not a forgone conclusion.

Bev Tanner, Subscription Rooms manager said: “We would like to thank all of our customers for their loyalty over the years, it’s been an absolute pleasure to see so many people from this town, as well as our visitors from outside the area enjoy our hospitality.

“We’re saddened that the council has made this decision, when the cafe is such an integral part of the building, and we had so many plans to develop it further for family and community group use.

“We’d like to include a special mention for our dedicated team, some of whom have worked here for over seven years, they’ll be missed.”

Comments on the Subscription Rooms Facebook page raise concerns that the possible closure of the cafe may hinder the exposure of local artists and further fears that this closure may lead to an SDC decision to relinquish control of the site.

A spokesman for SDC said: “We are in consultation with members of staff until March 24 about the future of Mr Twitchett’s coffee shop because it makes a huge financial loss.

"Last year alone it made a loss of £30,000, which is ultimately paid for by the taxpayer.

"The cafe was great idea however it is not currently pulling in enough custom to cover its costs.

"The consultation does not have any bearing on the current review for the Sub Rooms, which will continue as normal."

In a post on the Sub Rooms Facebook page a spokesman said: "We are very touched by the level of concern and sadness we are receiving about the closure of Mr Twitchett’s Coffee House and Bar on the 1st April.

"We understand that our customers are upset and we completely sympathise."