An historic North Yorkshire seaside hotel and bar has closed.
The team from the Expanse Hotel and Marine Bar, in Bridlington, announced the news in an emotional social media post saying the closure comes almost 90 years after it was opened by Edmund Cooper Briggs.
And the news has been met with sadness and fond memories from those who used the establishment based in the seaside resort, which is visited by hundreds of Teessiders every year.
In a Facebook statement, the team said: “It is with great sadness that we have to announce the closure of the Expanse Hotel and Marine Bar. The Expanse has remained in the same family since it was built in 1937 by our grandfather Edmond Cooper Briggs and continued by the fourth generation serving our beautiful Bridlington for nearly 90 years.
“We would like to express our gratitude to each and every one of you who have supported us over the years. Our wonderful guests and loyal customers who have made many happy memories and contributed to our long history.
“Our loyal staff who have made the Expanse a happy place. You will all be missed by so many people, us especially, thank you for your hard work and commitment we have always appreciated everything you do.
“Our local suppliers and tradespeople who have looked after us all so well, thank you and thank you Bridlington. Unfortunately, difficult trading conditions have forced our decision to close.
“We will continue to operate our apartments and residential flats. We now ask for your understanding and patience as we work to support our team.”
Bar punters and those who have stayed at the hotel have offered their support to the team, reports Yorkshire Live. Sandra Dixon said: “I’m gutted. It has been my life line for 30 years. Met some lovely people. I loved the entertainment every Wednesday and Saturday.”
Tony Hewitt added: “We are really gutted to see this. We have had some fantastic times in there and made some really good friends over the years.” Dawn Beach said: “Oh no. That’s so sad. We were only in for the Sunday quiz the other day. We always call when we’re at our caravan. You were doing a cracking job.”
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