A “one-of-a-kind” cafe owner is finally retiring after five decades at the stove.

Ken Vreony has fed punters in Folkestone from his Hillside Cafe in George Lane since 1975.

The 81-year-old had already tried to retire once in 2007, but devastated customers begged him to return.

He is now packing up shop and hanging up his apron for good after selling the business to move to his home country of Cyprus.

When the Hillside Cafe went on the market earlier this year, Mr Vreony told KentOnline: “The most important thing is my age.

“I want to go back home for the last few years of my life.

“Sixty-three years in this country – I’ve been working here ever since. It’s not believable.

“It’s sad on one side but retiring has got to happen.

“I have lost a brother and three sisters over the last 10 years back home.

“I only have one brother and one sister left so I am going back to spend a bit of time with them.”

In a notice, the patron’s grandaughter Rachel made punters aware the last mug of coffee would be served on December 21 at 4pm.

It reads: “He is looking to relax after working hard to provide for his family and has returned to Cyprus - where he is probably still wearing his trademark woolly hat!

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the years of custom, the many returned visits and the memories you have given him.

“So many faces have passed through this door, so many mouths have been fed, and Ken enjoyed every single meeting and every single conversation.

“I know for many of you this cafe is somewhere that has always been here, a familiar landmark with a familiar friendly face and long conversations.

“It has provided for not only yourselves but probably your parents, families and your children too.”

Mr Vreony first moved to England in 1960 where he had hoped to raise enough money – about £500 – to open his own eatery back home in Paphos.

When he first arrived in the UK, he originally went by Kyriacos but was renamed Ken by his wife Julie, who died 12 years ago.

The Cypriot embraced his new identity – even putting his name on signage above the cafe last year after years of loyal customers suggesting he do so.

Over the decades both his children and grandchildren have worked shifts at the cafe.

His grandaughter continued: “He has seen many changes to the town and many people come and go.

“So many faces kept coming back because he is a one-of-a-kind gentleman.

“There are so many lives he has been involved with.

“I thank you on his behalf for being part of his valued community and his friends.

“It is the end of an era and I hope you will always remember him fondly.”

Customers have shared their sadness and best wishes to Ken on social media.

Pat Mitchell said: “What a lovely man he is too. We used to love going there after a day on the beach when my boys were young.

“I hope he has a wonderful retirement.”

Kelly Davidson added: “We always used to be in there when we were younger and growing up to adulthood.

“Such a kind, welcoming, hardworking man. He deserves to enjoy his retirement, he has definitely earned it.”