FANS of Glasgow institution Coia’s Cafe are in mourning after the death of former owner Nicky Coia.

The 84-year-old died on the morning of Hogmanay, according to a statement from the Dennistoun eatery.

Mr Coia and his wife Ena took over the running of the business, first founded in 1928, in the 1950s and continued in charge until the 1980s when son Alfredo and his wife Antonia Coia took over.

Staff said Mr Coia was still very involved and said in a statement: “Nicky still enjoyed being involved and seeing the business evolve to become the Coia’s you know today.

“We know many of you have been coming to Coia’s over the years and will have great memories of Nicky.”

Staff also shared a photograph of Mr Coia in the cafe for breakfast last month.

The cafe, on Duke Street, is a popular haunt of businesswoman Michelle Mone, who held her 40th birthday celebrations there.

It first opened in 1928 and quickly became an east end institution, remaining in the family ever since.

Alfredo has previously said three generations of Italian hospitality and a top secret ice cream recipe have been the key to the success of the family business.