A long-serving café that has catered for fishermen, port workers, shoppers and families over many decades could be set for a new lease of life.

Dating back to 1895, The Woodbine Café in Lowestoft is set to be auctioned off next month.

An archive photo of the Woodbine Cafe. Picture: The Gorrod familyAn archive photo of the Woodbine Cafe. Picture: The Gorrod family (Image: The Gorrod family)

Situated not far away from the port and town centre on Suffolk Road, in its heyday the café proved very popular across the generations as it served crews from the fishing boats to standby vessels for gas platforms.

Tommy Knott at the Woodbine Café in Lowestoft, which he used to run with his wife Joan. Picture: Newsquest archivesTommy Knott at the Woodbine Café in Lowestoft, which he used to run with his wife Joan. Picture: Newsquest archives (Image: Archant)

Famed for its all day breakfasts, locals would flock to the café whose previous owners included Lowestoft Lifeboat hero Tommy Knott - with the former Coxswain awarded honours for gallant rescues, while also being fondly known for serving customers with his wife Joan.

Phil Tyler behind the counter at The Woodbine Cafe, Lowestoft in the 1990s. Picture: Newsquest archivesPhil Tyler behind the counter at The Woodbine Cafe, Lowestoft in the 1990s. Picture: Newsquest archives (Image: Archant archives)

Also run by Wally and Olive Hector, it later would become the 'Woodbine Café P Tyler and Daughter' - as Phil Tyler and his daughter Carole Gorrod owned the family-run café restaurant for 48 years, between 1973 and 2021.

Back in 2021, Kirsty and Julie Cox, Michael and Carole Gorrod, Rose Sinacola and Linda Taylor at the retirement of Mrs Gorrod. Picture: Mick HowesBack in 2021, Kirsty and Julie Cox, Michael and Carole Gorrod, Rose Sinacola and Linda Taylor at the retirement of Mrs Gorrod. Picture: Mick Howes

But after a spell currently trading as Woodbine 木水东方 (Woodbine Oriental Takeaway) it is now set for auction having been on the market.

For sale by auction the mixed use property at 18 Suffolk Road, Lowestoft is set to go under the hammer next month.

Woodbine 木水东方 (Woodbine Oriental Takeaway) in Lowestoft which is set to be auctioned off. Picture: Auction House East AngliaWoodbine 木水东方 (Woodbine Oriental Takeaway) in Lowestoft which is set to be auctioned off. Picture: Auction House East Anglia (Image: Auction House East Anglia)

Marketed by Auction House East Anglia, and offered in association with Steel and Co, it is due to be sold on a freehold tenure at an online auction on Wednesday, July 24, with a guide price of £200,000 to £250,000 plus fees.

The property description from the auctioneers describes the premises as a "Fast food outlet with two self contained two bedroom flats."

It states: "A busy fast food outlet currently trading but to be sold with vacant possession.

"The property has a counter, reception area and small restaurant with kitchen and preparation areas on the ground floor.

"There is separate access to the two upper floor flats to the rear.

"These will also be sold vacant and capable of providing a significant annual income."