Verdi's café in Mumbles, Swansea, could reopen by Easter after insurers accepted liability for the fire that forced it to close in July, co-owner Ryan Hole has confirmed.
Ryan Hole, who runs the business with his sister Lucy, said the insurance investigation has concluded and liability has been accepted, a major step forward in the process of reopening the café.
Refurbishment tender under way
The tender process is now under way to find a contractor to carry out the strip-out and refurbishment work. The family, who also run The Secret Bar and Kitchen, The Green Room, and The Lighthouse, said the full extent of the damage will not be known until the strip-out is completed.
In a social media update, Ryan wrote: "Our insurers have now concluded their investigation and have accepted liability, which is a big step forward."
Reopening timeline
Ryan said the ambition is to welcome customers back by Easter, but the family are aware the reopening could take longer. He added: "We won't know the extent of work needed until we've completed the strip-out, but our aim/dream is to reopen by Easter. However, we've got to be realistic and that could be closer to summer."
The café, known for its ice cream, coffees, and Italian food, has been a fixture overlooking Swansea Bay for generations. It was previously operated by the Moruzzi family before being taken over by the Hole family in 2023.
Community support
Following the fire, Ryan told WalesOnline the family had received a call telling them the café had "gone up in flames". He said it was particularly devastating because the fire had happened during one of the business' busiest periods.
The family added: "Thank you so much for all your support and patience. It means the world to us and we can't wait to welcome you back."
