A beloved café has revealed the reason for its imminent closure amid an outpouring of sadness from customers.

Domenic’s Café in Vicarage Road, which has been part of Watford FC match days for 40 years, confirmed it will shut for the final time at the end of January.

Frank Blasi, who has worked at the family-run business for 25 years, told the Watford Observer: “It’s a decision we’ve made as a family to explore other avenues.

“It allows my parents now to just relax, especially my mum, because my mum (Nicky) works here as well. It’s purely from a family point of view.”

Although the economic climate has been tough, it had no bearing on the decision, Frank added.

His dad Domenic, who opened the business in 1983, still chips in aged 80, while Frank’s sisters Luisa and Rita also work there too.

Watford Observer: Left to right, Luisa Leacock, Nicky Blasi, Domenic Blasi, Rita Blasi, Frank Blasi.Left to right, Luisa Leacock, Nicky Blasi, Domenic Blasi, Rita Blasi, Frank Blasi. (Image: Frank Blasi)

The decision to close sparked a wave of touching customer responses, which Frank described as “incredible and humbling”.

“Everyone’s got a little story and a memory which is nice,” he added. “For me it’s just going to work really, and I just didn’t realise how we’ve affected so many people over the years.

“But everyone’s saying ‘it’s the end of an era’, ‘don’t know what we’re going to do’, especially the Watford match day fans who come in as it’s been their place to go to.

“Some have even said to me that they enjoy coming to us more than going to the football!”

Watford Observer: Jacqui Tamplin and her late father Edward 'Ted' Waterman enjoying a visit to Domenic's Café before a Watford FC game. Jacqui Tamplin and her late father Edward 'Ted' Waterman enjoying a visit to Domenic's Café before a Watford FC game. (Image: Jacqui Tamplin)

Among the heartbroken customers was Jacqui Tamplin, who said she was reduced to tears and “lost for words”.

“Your café was the highlight of our day out to the football,” she wrote online. “As we no longer live in our beloved Watford, our 156-mile round trip was made possible by our visit to you. My darling dad especially, who passed away two years ago.”

Dozens of similar messages were posted expressing sadness but also wishing the family well.

One person wrote: “Been coming to this amazing café with my family and friends for years. My late father used to bring me when I was a kid. Wish you all the best for the future.”