CUSTOMERS were moved to tears as a Bradford city centre cafe shut following more than 30 years. Eric and Pat Iasonides are retiring after an amazing half a century in the hospitality industry. They have been serving Kirkgate Market shoppers in Baxandall’s Café since 1991.
Eric, 80, and Pat, 73, were working six days a week right up until they finally hung up their pinnies yesterday (Saturday, December 28). The pair have been in the hospitality industry for 50 years. (Image: UGC) One customer, 80-year-old Kevin Widdop, who shares the same birthday as Eric, said “where will I go now?” "It was one of the last old-fashion sixties style cafes," daughter Christina Georgallis told the T&A as a customer was leaving the cafe in tears.
"They served thousands over the years and employed dozens upon dozens of people. "My dad turned 80 last month. He has been stood behind that counter running a successful business and serving the community for decades.
"It has just come to a natural end. My dad does not want to stop. He loves it and thrives off it.
"At this point in their lives, they have taken the decision to stop and enjoy some sunshine." Like many Cypriots, who came to England in the late sixties and seventies, Eric and Pat opened a cafe to earn a living. Originally the Iasonides' plied their trade at The Pantry Coffee House on John Street in 1974 before moving into the market at the start of the nineties.
It was at that first cafe where homemade Moussaka would be made which wa.
