A popular café in Beckenham is shutting up shop after a rollercoaster few months.

The Garden Shop Café in Elmers End Road had its till and tip jar snatched in February before later winning an award for best brunch in Bromley.

Owner of the business, Max Okore, said it is closing because another café is another opening next door this summer.

“The response has been huge,” he told News Shopper. “Lots of people are gutted. It is a community here and we get lots of mums on maternity leave and families with young children.

“We even had a few customers crying today.”

The café, which has 60 to 70 regulars, opened two-and-a-half-years ago and serves its own unique brunch dishes.

Mr Okore said he was proud of the café's achievements, from making a lasting impression on the area to winning the Time Out award for best brunch in Bromley.

He added: “It is a sad day, but we have to move on. We can’t risk competing with another business next door.

“This is the forgotten corner of Bromley and people are wonderful here. They have been really warm and friendly and we have made so many friends.

"We will miss everyone. Our time here has flown. But nothing lasts forever."

The café will “go out in style” by holding a celebratory event on its final day in July.

Read more - Break-in at Garden Shop Café in Beckenham