PEOPLE in Oxford have paid tributes to a family-run cafe in the heart of the city that is closing its doors after 16 years.

Cafe Loco in St Aldate's has always relied on tourists, but a dramatic fall in people visiting the city this year because of Covid-19 led to a drop in trade.

Here is what our readers said on Facebook after owner Graham Wellstead, 57, of Abingdon, announced the closure.

KATRIN GARDENER: "Oh my god – I am gutted.

"What a massive loss, I love the staff and the food in there."

KAY GOSLING: "It is very sad.

"It is such a lovely place for council staff from Speedwell House to get coffees and snacks – it will be missed when we return to the office."

JEAN WALKER: I am sending my good friends Lesley Wellstead, Graham Wellstead and family all my love and the best luck for your future.

READ MORE: Cafe to close its doors after 16 years as tourists desert city

"Whatever you do, you will be great, always."

GILL STANSFIELD: "They were one of the best and a go-to with all my Oxford visitors before or after a walk by the river, even during lockdown."

TAZ COOPER: "This has been my favourite café ever since I moved here four years ago.

"They had the best paninis I have ever had and some damn good traybakes and very friendly staff.

"Where will I get my Loco special sauce panini now?"

KATHRYN EMILY CROXON: "We will miss you guys, you have kept us happily fed and watered in a difficult year, but we cannot wait for you to have a fresh beginning."

ANDY BLAG: "This is awful, there is no doubt Cafe Loco served the best coffee in the city.

"All the best to the owners and staff, this is a sad day."

JAMES EAGLE: "Extremely sad, this is what is wrong with Oxford – it is loosing all the great independent shops.

"Soon, regardless of the architecture, it will loose all of its charm.

"It will just be brands, brands and more brands."

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ANDRIA HOOK: "Graham is one of my regular customers that comes in to my shop Robert Dyas.

"He told me the sad news yesterday. Graham, it has been a pleasure to serve you over the years.

"I hope all goes well for you in the future."

CAROLYN TEN HOLTER: " I came here with a big party of very hungover guests the morning after my wedding for restorative fry-ups."

LAURA JONES: " I love this place but I can understand how decimated the business must have been, I am very sorry to see this."

TEODORA ATANASOVA: "What a massive loss in Oxford, we all love you Graham."

ANNA FITZGERALD: "I love that place, thank you for all the cakes and toasties over the past nine years."

CLAIRE WEBB: "Where are we going to meet now?

"Great place for some of my colleague bus drivers and myself to go on our breaks, it is going to be sadly missed."

JOHN WHITE: "I will miss going for cream teas and the odd coffee, always good."

MIRELA GALATANU: "I used to work there – a lot of memories and the best almond croissants in Oxford."

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ALEKSANDRA O'SHEA: "Good times – best almond croissants and the eggs Benedicts and the afternoon tea."

THOMAS FRASER LAWRIE: "Is it tourists 'deserting' Oxford or a pandemic and national lockdowns?"

FRAN JENKINS: "A great loss to staff at the music faculty at Oxford University."

LUCINDA CAMPBELL: "So sad to hear that it is closing , one of the nicest places to eat in Oxford."

ALEX HUTTER: "Restrictions are the disease destroying our way of life.

"We have to fight back, otherwise all trade is going to be controlled by big corporations.

DEREK OX: "What a shame, great coffee and cake."