A Chara, - Along with the other contributors to the page, I am also sad to see Bewley's go. However, it has been blatantly obvious over the last few years that this was on the cards. Why?
It's simple; the quality of what is served has deteriorated progressively, whilst the prices have exponentially increased. People in their right minds don't pay out for overpriced and dull food, purely for the sake of having it in an institution.
Bewley's used to be a place where you could go as a child for a philosophical discussion with your grandmother, pondering your existence as the epicentre of the universe. Later, as a teenager, it progressed to a top meeting point for a first date, where many a fleeting kiss was had. Lastly, it was also a great spot to go for a coffee if you wanted a quieter and more sedate post-pub option. But that Bewley's, for me, disappeared years ago, especially after the awful Grafton Street refurbishments and the demise of the George's Street outlet.
It may be better to remember Bewley's as it once was, with the aroma of good coffee beckoning to the nostrils as you passed by, seducing the mind with the prospect of an almond or cherry bun. But these days, there are too many other cafes with better coffee, better produce and better prices that solicit us as customers. - Mise le meas,
G. BARBER, Sundrive Red, Crumlin Dublin 12.
Madam, - Why does nobody try to save Bewley's cafe? I am very disappointed by the reaction of Dubliners to the imminent closure of "their Bewley's". Every letter or article was some form of an obituary rather than a call to arms to stop the loss of what makes Dublin special. Dublin has already sold most of its soul. We cannot afford to lose a single bit more! It is irresponsible to reduce this to a pure business decision by the current management. Bewley's is older than the State! When will people learn?
Money has been made available for things not as close to so many people's hearts (even clamping is sponsored these days. . .). So let's see if we can keep Bewley's cafe going for future generations! - Yours, etc.,
ULRIKE MIEG, Glasthule, Co Dublin.