Madam, - Is it too late to reconsider the decision to close Bewley's? I believe this decision will be regretted from tourism, cultural and business perspectives. Bewley's is quite simply a world class café. It has history, charm, the best barristas and cappuccinos in the world, a wonderful atmosphere and a spirit of kind service of which the old Mr Bewley would have been proud. It is busy all year round from morning to late at night while many of its competitors are half-empty and lacking in atmosphere except for lunchtime. It is particularly popular with continental residents and visitors; perhaps its elegant ambience reminds them of the grand cafés of their home towns.
It is as if we in Ireland do not recognise what is authentic and valuable any more and this at a time when "green" issues, the "slow food" movement, sustainability, anti-globalisation, spirituality and authenticity are quietly gathering momentum worldwide. Perhaps the decision to close Bewley's epitomises the crossroads we are approaching regarding our values and vision (or lack thereof) for our beautiful country. Do we really want materialism, superficiality, fast rates of change, "trendiness" and a commercial year, rather than the natural year?
Local business traders may be quite surprised by the magnitude of the void created by the demise of Bewley's as it has been the heart (and hearth) of Grafton Street for a century. Sadly, we often do not appreciate what we have until it is gone forever. - Yours, etc.,
LORRAINE DOYLE, Swords, Co Dublin.