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Wales Online
Wales Online
Entertainment
Thomas Deacon

Classic Cardiff cafe that everyone thought was shut for good is set to reopen

An iconic Cardiff cafe that's been serving the city for almost 50 years is set to reopen.

The Black and White Cafe in Grangetown has been shut for the past two years, and many thought it had closed for good.

But the classic cafe will again be serving customers from across the city, and beyond, when it reopens in around two months time.

How the outside of the cafe used to look (Google)

A Cardiff coffee shop is opening two new cafes - inside a former bank and ranger hut  

The cafe opened as the Black and White in 1971 and until 2017 served regulars from near and far cooked breakfasts and traditional cafe dishes  in its recognisable brick building and full-length windows.

Owner George Formosa said: "I just fancied a change. Some people fancy a year long vacation, I just fancied a change of direction.

"It's more than just a cafe to me. People have a real connection to this place.

"You wouldn't believe people's reactions when this place closed. What I want to do is give the cafe back to the people."

Owner George Formosa (WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
Inside the cafe (WalesOnline/Rob Browne)

All the pubs, bars and restaurants that have shut in Cardiff so far in 2019  

At the moment the inside of the well-known cafe is just an empty shell, after being completely gutted.

Although little remains of the old cafe, George is keeping the same black wooden chairs that he wouldn't "give up for anything".

Some regulars inside the cafe in 2002 (Rob Norman)

It's not just the inside that's been changed, with George building a huge two storey extension on top of the cafe.

The latest part of the building will house six apartments, with views across Grangetown, and office space.

George said there have been several delays to the build but hopes to reopen shortly.

How the outside looks now (WalesOnline/Rob Browne)

 

He said: "This was a big challenge, but I enjoy a good challenge.

"You can't rush it, you have got to take your time and do the job properly."

He added that the menu will still be traditional but may include some "bistro" options.

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