HEARTBROKEN staff at a popular Indian restaurant have been flooded with messages of love and support from loyal customers.
Ashleys in The Tything in Worcester will carry on offering an expanding takeaway-only service but the restaurant itself is due to close at the end of this month, causing sadness from both customers and staff.
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Since the announcement, scores of customers have been leaving comments in a book at the restaurant.
A spokesperson for the restaurant said: "Just a handful of some of the hundreds of wonderful messages we've received in the last couple of weeks.
"We cannot put into words how much your support means and we look forward to continuing to serve you all from our new format Ashleys for many years to come."
One message read: "Love the service - it's why we come back and food. We're very sad you're in the current situation."
Another spoke of 'family memories tinged with sadness' and 'lots of fun, laughter and love over fantastic food'.
Another customer wrote about how three generations of the family had enjoyed the food and service at Ashleys.
One loyal customer said: "I am 73 and have been a customer for over 30 years."
This was echoed in another comment which read: "I have been coming 30 years. Always great food and amazing service. Thank you!!"
Over the years Ashleys in The Tything has been enjoyed by generations of the same family, not to mention some international cricketing legends.
Monwar Khandokas, a manager at Ashleys, said customers had so far reacted with 'a lot of sadness' to the news the restaurant side of the business would close.
Diners will no longer be able to sit down for a meal from Monday, February 27.
Mr Khandokas was only 21 or 22 when his family took over the restaurant and feels he has grown up with the business - and seen many of his customers grow up too.
The 38-year-old said: "Customers have seen us grow up. A lot of customers we have seen come with their little children who are now towering over us. Ashleys is a family tradition. It's a generational thing."
Ashleys, which already had a well-established takeaway business producing 70 per cent of their trade, will expand the takeaway delivery range from three miles to five miles.
Mr Khandokas said: "We're excited about the opportunities.
"That's the only way to look at it.
"It's the end of an era but we are excited about this new venture."
The change has been blamed partially on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, rising costs for the business, the ability to recruit and retain staff with the level of skill required and more people preferring to eat at home.
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