REFERENCE the “exciting” Italian restaurant coming to Fenwicks in the near future (The Press, March 27), I would like to express the disappointment felt by many regular customers at the loss of the existing service at Fenwicks.

This facility has been a valued place to meet friends and enjoy coffee/tea and refreshments in convivial surroundings with good, friendly service and a total absence of background music. It will be missed.

While appreciating the commercial decision taken by Fenwicks, it is a pity that they do not seem to consider the loyalty of the large number of regulars, who have supported their restaurant over a considerable number of years, of any value. Many of these customers went on to browse their store and will now look elsewhere, including myself and wife.

Time was that every department store with merit had a coffee lounge and ‘our’ Fenwick’s was the last in a long, civilised line.

Charles and Freda Rushton, Pasture Close, Strensall, York