An iconic Norwich eaterie catering for vegetarians is to close its doors next month after failing to get its lease renewed.
Pulse has been a serving meat and gluten free dishes since it opened its doors in 2004.
Tucked away off Guildhall Hill the loft-style cafe and bar, which is part of the Raffles chain of restaurants including The Library, Pinnochios and St Benedicts Restaurant, has been a popular venue serving veggie dishes, as well as homemade cakes and fairtrade coffees.
The building is owned by the adjoining Rainbow Food Store and with the owners opting not to renew the lease, bosses have decided to call time on the venture, which is expected to close on June 2.
The venue will also host a skincare event and is taking part in National Vegetarian Week later this month.
Co-owner Jayne Raffles said staff would be offered jobs at the other restaurants though there could be one of two job losses.
'It is with a heavy heart that Pulse has to close,' she said. 'It has been difficult to come to terms with, but unfortunately the lease came up for renewal this year and our request to renew it has been turned down.
'We are doing our best because we feel quite a lot of responsibility to our staff. The manager has been here a long time and we have offered her an alternative position but she is a dedicated vegetarian so it's going to be quite difficult for her working in a restaurant serving meat and fish. The chef is probably going to be coming into one of the other restaurants.
'It is sad. We have run a lovely business and it's one of my favourites so we want to be positive. We could be miserable about it, but we are going out on a high. We have also got another concept that we would like to explore. When one door closes, another one opens.
We've got some very exciting plans for the next 12 months, so while we are very sad to see Pulse go, I would say 'watch this space''.
Richard Austin owner of Rainbow Wholefoods declined to comment on why the lease had not been renewed or whether he had any plans for the venue.
'I can't help you I'm afraid, no comment,' he said.
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