'Time has come for us to hang up our aprons': Popular Northern Ireland café closes chapter after 25 years
Gerard and Jo Skelton of Palomo Café in Lurgan are handing over their much-loved town centre eatery, bringing an end to more than two decades of coffee, community and conversation
The owners of a much-loved Northern Ireland eatery are hanging up their aprons after more than 25 years in business.
Gerard Skelton and his wife Jo, who run Palomo Café in Lurgan, have been longstanding hosts of the popular bistro but have now decided to retire, with their final day of service set for this Saturday.
Palomo on Church Place has long been a distinctive feature in the centre of Lurgan, known for its welcoming canopy, street furniture and colourful floral displays.
Over the years, Jo and Gerard were also known for staying ahead of the curve, hosting themed music nights paired with food and wine, helping to establish Palomo as more than just a café but a key part of the town’s social life.
In a heartfelt online post, the couple said: “After 25 amazing years, the time has come for us to hang up our aprons and retire. This Saturday June 27th will be our last day.
“It’s a bittersweet moment, as Palomo has been such a big part of our lives. We want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of our loyal customers and wonderful staff for your support and friendship over the years, as without you Palomo wouldn’t have been such a success.”
The couple said finding the right successor had been a key priority before stepping away.
They added: “Finding the right person to continue Palomo was so important to us, and we were happy to wait until we knew it would be in safe hands. We are delighted to welcome the new owner and wish him every success.
“The good news is that Palomo isn’t changing and our fantastic staff will all be staying on, so the same friendly faces will still be there to look after you.
“It’s been a privilege to serve our local community for the last 25 years and from the bottom of our hearts a big thank you.”
Many customers and members of the local community have begun paying tribute to the couple, sharing fond memories of the café and reflecting on its role as a longstanding social hub at the heart of the town.