Staff at a popular family-run cafe have thanked customers for their loyalty as a new owner is set to take over. 

Riverside Diner in Bitterne Park could change hands as soon as next week as the current owner, Ronald Hannan, plans to retire. 

The business has been run by the family for 34 years after Ron bought it in 1990 and serves up a range of food including breakfasts, omelettes, burgers, and specials.

The property has been on the market for around eight months and now final arrangements are taking place for the lease to be exchanged on November 1, which could see the cafe close until the New Year. 

Riverside DinerRiverside Diner (Image: NQ)

Speaking to the Echo, a long-standing member of staff said the owner "would like to thank all their customers for their loyalty over the last 34 years".

Julie Attwell, who works at the cafe, added: "I think it’s going to be much the same as what it is but we think he might be shutting down until the New Year to refurb and put his touch on the place.

"It’s been a family-run business for 34 years and it’s time now to take a step back. 

"I think it will be a wrench next week, definitely especially when the regulars come in after a long time of getting used to people coming in.

"But times are moving, change, let someone come in with fresh ideas and I hope they have a good go of it."

It is thought that the new owner may look to hire new staff and as a result, most of the current team are planning to leave. 

Riverside DinerRiverside Diner (Image: NQ)

Amy Hannan, Ronald and Julie's daughter, was just ten months old when her nan and uncle first bought the site. 

Since then she has worked there alongside her sister, her brother and other family members. 

She said: "It will be hard. It will be strange, it’s definitely a big change but I’m just ready for a fresh start now.

"Where it’s all family as well it’s really hard for us to do things together so that will be nice."

She hopes the cafe's regular customers will continue to come in under the new owner.

In a message to their regulars, she said: "Thanks for the custom for a long period of time because we did get to know them as well."