A long-running cafe has hit out at "devastating" gossip about its closure insisting it is still open.

The Workshop in Earlham Road stopped its food service and began to focus on its furniture while still serving coffee and pastries at the end of 2022.

But its owner Warren Bryant has hit out at online gossip which has seen rumours of its closure posted on social media.

It comes after long-standing Norwich bars the York Tavern and Frank's Bar both closed this week bemoaning increasing costs while experts urged city folk to back their businesses.

Mr Bryant said: "Gossip has a way of devastating small businesses even if the gossip mongers haven't bothered coming to the source to find out the truth.

Norwich Evening News:

"It hasn't closed neither have we put out that it has we have just changed a lot.

"We still serve coffee and a very small amount of food.

"We are now focusing on selling designer furniture and homewares from the 20th century while renting out the bar area for coffees and teas."

On Thursday, Studio53, moved in to the cafe and will be selling its wares in the premises.