Popular South Shields coffee shop Aldermans closes after 12 years in town

Aldermans Coffee House in the Market Place, has sadly ceased trading after coming to the difficult decision to not sign another 10 year lease.

The business, which was run by husband and wife team Ewan and Louise Murray, served its last meals and drinks to customers on Friday, October 4.

Since then the premises have been bought by its landlords EI Publican Partnerships, who have passed it onto Craft Union pub company, with plans now in place to convert the former coffee shop into a pub.

The news of the closure attracted a wave of disappointment from loyal customers on social media, who were sad to see the business leave the town.

But Aldermans has since confirmed that it has no plans for a new venture.

Thanking the public for their support over the years, owners Ewan and Louise Murray said: “We’re very sorry to have left all our friends and customers after more than 12 happy years in there.

“The decision was to sell while we still had a few years left on the lease, as we didn’t want to sign for another ten years.

“We had a buyer but our landlords stepped in and bought us out of the remainder of the lease as they wanted to convert it back to a pub.

“Landlords are Ei Publican Partnerships and they have passed it on to Craft Union pub company.”

On their Facebook page Aldermans Coffee House the pair clarified the closure for customers, saying: “Aldermans is closing because the commitment to sign another ten-year lease with the current situation on the high street was not something we wanted.

“We have no current plans for a new venture.”

And in an emotional post on the page the pair said: “A massive thank you to everybody who came to Aldermans for the final goodbyes and thank you to everyone who came and supported us over the years.

“It will never be forgotten. Thank you everybody.”