Customers of a sandwich shop in Dagenham have shared their fond memories and well wishes after the owners announced they are set to retire.
News broke last week that Ma Bakers in Rainham Road South is up for sale.
The sandwich shop has been listed on Zoopla for £90,000, as owner Andrew (Andy) Cecil looks to retire.
He told this paper: "I've been here around 36 years.
"I don't really want to go, it's just that I'm 68 now so it's a bit of a struggle."
The 68-year-old said they "just hit it off", describing their chance meeting as "the biggest standout" moment.
He admitted that the news had not made his customers best pleased and that he would miss the social aspect of the job.
Andy added: "We've seen them (our customers) grow up and have kids, and go off to prison and come back again.
"It has changed a lot over the years but the Dagenham people are decent - friendly people I've found them. They've all been good really."
The news of his retirement plans was a shock to many, prompting people to share their fondest memories of the store.
Ma Bakers has been remembered for catering weddings, funerals, parties, and even for providing a midday pick-me-up for local offices.
The Dagenham shop appears to have become an important part of the community, shaping people's memories of the area.
Some shared their anecdotes on social media.
For Tony-Michael Peddar, the shop was an integral part of his morning routine.
He said: "Remember I used to go in Ma Bakers every morning before school for a bacon roll many years ago absolutely loved Ma Bakers."
Whilst others shared similar memories, Gary Bradford continues to remember owner Andy as a "top bloke".
He said: "I used to live in the flat above 20+ years ago and always got my fresh bread and rolls every other day and at weekends.
"I’d call down and order me and my wife a fry up and I would walk down and collect the plates all wrapped in tinfoil, then return them all washed up."
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Sallyanne Payton said: "Ma Bakers has been an absolute staple of Dagenham East life… used to go there every morning as a teen, lunchtime as an adult and catered for my dad’s funeral."
Bee Taylor called the news the "end of an era".
She added: "Best hangover cure ever and if you couldn’t get in there, they delivered. Sad to see you go but enjoy your retirement all the best."
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