THINGS could soon change at a city centre cafe which has served customers for two decades with a restaurant set to take its place.

The lease for The News Cafe in Ship Street, off Cornmarket Street, is up for sale and staff at the cafe put up a notice on Thursday telling customers it was closed for a revamp.

The sale of the lease is being handled by London-based property consultants Stephen Kane & Company.

Fans of the News Cafe have enjoyed a relaxed atmosphere in its quiet side street location, a contrast to the constant noise created by shoppers in nearby Cornmarket Street but a new look eaterie could open up in its place.

Jonathan Cowan, a spokesman for Stephen Kane & Company, said The News Cafe could reopen as a restaurant later this year, possibly in the summer.

He added that talks have been taking place with a prospective buyer.

Mr Cowan said: "It's too early to say more but we expect The News Cafe to open as a restaurant but it will be more exciting.

"I believe what is being proposed will be better for the city centre - people talk about tradition but some things need to change to go with the times.

"That does not mean the prices have to change but the offer needs to be modernised."

Mr Cowan added that there were a number of changes being made to the retail offer in the city centre as shoppers waited for the revamped £440m Westgate Centre to reopen in October.

He said: "The city centre is changing and it will take a while to settle back down again when the new Westgate Centre opens."

The News Cafe, where diners could browse newspapers and magazines, is a short distance away from Heroes in Ship Street, another long-serving cafe.

It can serve up to 80 people at a time and the building has a licence to serve alcohol until 11pm.

Graham Jones, a spokesman for traders' group ROX, which promotes city centre businesses, said The News Cafe had served its customers loyally for more than 20 years.

He added: "When the new Westgate Centre opens there will be about 17 new restaurants inside the centre so those cafes and restaurants outside will have to make sure they are bright and new in order to compete.

"The News Cafe had a chilled-out feel and was popular with customers who wanted to get away from the main shopping area so they could relax.

"I'm pleased to hear it will be continuing as a restaurant and a facelift could be a good thing.

"For shoppers heading for Turl Street the cafes on Ship Street provide an opportunity for them to take a break after leaving Cornmarket."

Managers of The News Cafe were unavailable for comment.