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A popular family-run café in Liverpool city centre, Maggie May’s, is set to close its doors permanently after three decades in business. The café, located on the busy Bold Street, famously counted Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish and actor Ralph Fiennes among its patrons.

Maggie May’s, established in 1995 by Susan and John Lea, maintained a traditional approach, avoiding contemporary culinary trends. The establishment was well-known for its regional dishes, particularly its “scouse”—a traditional meat and potato stew.

After thirty years, the Lea family has confirmed the closure, citing the demanding hours and the physical toll of running the business.

Carly Lea, who helped run the café with her parents, told the BBC that while leaving would be difficult, “the time was right.”

“We’re all getting that little bit older, we’re all getting a little bit weary,” she stated, adding that the intense daily shifts, often exceeding 12 hours, had “taken its toll.”

“The café could go on but physically we feel as though we can’t go on—which is unfortunate but also it’s very, very real and that’s ultimately the main reason,” she explained.

Ms. Lea attributes the café’s enduring success to “sticking to what we know,” focusing on traditional local food rooted in her mother’s experience as a pub cook before founding the business.

  • Memorable Moments

Reflecting on the café’s history, Ms. Lea described serving Sir Kenny Dalglish on several occasions as a “personal highlight.” A standout moment was also serving BAFTA-winning actor Ralph Fiennes in 2023, who stopped for a drink while playing the lead in a local production of Macbeth.

Ms. Lea recounted the encounter, noting that she was “starstruck” by the Harry Potter star. “I think I was quite starstruck because it was like: ‘that’s Voldemort’,” she said.

For regular customers, the news has been met with disappointment. Anthony McDowell, 54, a patron since the café opened, expressed his deep sadness.

“I walk past about four other cafés to get here, it’s only one café in town for me,” Mr. McDowell told the BBC. “I’ve known the family for years and they’re a lovely family, and they’ve spent a lot of hard-working years and I can understand the reasons.”

Carly Lea admitted she was surprised by the emotional response to the announcement, saying it has been “very emotional” with people telling them they are “heartbroken.”

Maggie May’s is scheduled to serve its final customers on Christmas Eve.