'It was a very emotional week for us all and many a tear was shed' - Ellesmere Greek restaurant owners say goodbye

The award-winning, family-run restaurant served traditional Greek and Cypriot food to visitors and residents of the town since 2017, and shocked customers with their closure announcement during December. 

Owners Elena and Deborah Melkis thanked them for their support after the restaurant closed its doors for the final time. But, the pair did not rule out a return to hospitality industry in the future, which will please their many fans.

They said: "Since our announcement to close was published on December 28, the response from our customers has been truly overwhelming.

"Up to closing on Sunday we have served more than 450 people which is such a wonderful display of support.

"It was a very emotional week for us all and many a tear was shed, especially on Sunday our very last day.

"We are so very grateful to everyone who has been a part of our journey and so many right from our very first steps. Of course we could never have achieved what we did without our amazing team. Their hard work and dedication has been the backbone of our success and we know that whatever their future holds they will be an absolute blessing to anyone lucky enough to employ them.

"And who knows, once the dust has settled and should the appropriate opportunity and circumstances arise in the future we may begin a new adventure, never say never as they say.

"Once again our sincere thanks to our diners and guests, we have loved every moment, it has been a pleasure and an honour."

It's safe to say that the restaurant will be missed by residents.

The owners of Meze were touched by responses to their closure announcement, and shared some pictures of visitors from their final weekend, and some of the goodbye messages that they received.

A message from the restaurant's neighbours read: "Good luck with whatever your next adventure is, we will miss the music when your open, we will miss the smell of gorgeous food, but we will miss you as excellent neighbours."

Visitor, Jack, was one of the restaurant's final visitors and was keen to find out the recipe for the restaurant's "amazing sauce" that goes on their meat and chips.

He said: "As usual we loved our takeaway the other night. Can’t believe it will be our last one.

"Your food has made me so happy over the years and was a cornerstone to our lockdowns during Covid-19, making them more bearable! It was the highlight of our week getting a meze takeaway during them difficult periods.

"You and your food will be hugely missed by us. I hope you enjoy whatever your next journey is! Before you go, can I have the secret to that amazing sauce that is on the meat and chips. I love it!

"If you ever open another restaurant anywhere else please let us know, I will travel the world for your food!"