Outpouring of sentiment as Snookies cafe in Southsea closes doors

Snookies on Osborne Road shut last Wednesday after spending 18 months on the market.

News of the closure was shared on our Facebook page which prompted an outpouring of sentiment from patrons who had frequented the cafe.

Many spoke of their memories of being taken to the cafe as far aback as the 1960s for a special treat, or of collecting cakes for office birthday parties.

Jayne Banacle Davies said: ‘Oh no back in the early 70s whenever mother and I went shopping in Southsea we would have afternoon tea there.

‘Lovely dainty rolls/sandwiches and unbelievable cakes. Most Saturdays father would bring home a large box of cakes as a treat.’

Stephanie Sutton said: ‘When I started work in 1973 one of my jobs as Office Junior was to get a bus from Kings Road junction to collect fresh cream cakes for the entire office.’

Mark Mumby said: ‘My dear old Nan’s favourite treat way back in the early 80s. Some things mean so much more than just the food. Shame.’

Margaret Lowley said: ‘Oh! I used to go there for my cheese and tomato plaited roll and a cream slice when I worked in Handleys in 1962!’

Work was due to start today to turn the cafe into an up-market Indian tapas restaurant.

Snookies had been on the market for the past 18 months and was finally snapped up by the Red Lounge Group, which runs which Kassia and Red Lounge in Drayton, Pasha, Red Lounge and Palash in Cowplain and Kassia in Clanfield.

The group currently employs 80 people across its six restaurants. Its director Kaz Miah said they would be on the hunt for a further 20 to work in the new restaurant.