A BELOVED cafe is to close after more than 10 years. 

Yellow Bicycle Cafe is a “multi award winning” cafe that serves “delicious homemade food, using as many local, seasonal ingredients as possible, great tea, coffee and cakes and the warmest welcome”. 

The popular cafe in Salisbury Street, Blandford has had awards from the National Breakfast and Brunch Awards and the South West England Tourism Excellence Awards. 

But its owner Steve Bell has now closed as he recovers from an illness. 

He said: Unfortunately (as some of you may have guessed) I've had to make the unbelievably tough decision to close the café after ten and a half years.  

“I'm recovering well from my illness, but a combination of the time we've had to be closed and making sure I put my health first for once, has left me with no choice. 

“I can't really put into words my gratitude for the support from you our customers, Blandford as a whole, our suppliers and of course all the wonderful staff it's been a joy to work with since we first opened our doors way back in 2014 

“At present I don't know what I'm doing next other than returning to full fitness.  

“Thank you for being part of the most incredible time at the Yellow Bicycle.” 

Residents flooded the cafe’s social media page with supportive comments. One said: Such sad news Steve but as everyone has said your health must come first.  

“Thanks for many a delicious brunch and lunch over the years. Be proud of your achievements and take care.” 

Another added: “We lived in Blandford for three years and Yellow Bicycle Cafe was a significant memory for us. 

“Those amazing beans on toast, my daughter was convinced you were Iron Man (well we never saw you both in the same room) and I think Buddy from Elf should have come to Blandford rather than New York and he’d have found ‘the world best cup of coffee’.”