Restaurant damaged by fire won’t open again

PORRO in Roath will not re-open after being damaged by fire more than seven months ago.

Firefighters were called to the Roath restaurant just after 2am on December 8.

It has been closed since and a sign on the window had said it would reopen.

Yesterday, a statement was published, which said a decision has been taken not to reopen the premises.

“Dear customers of Wellfield Road, we know we’ve been quiet for quite some time now and whilst we wish we could have updated you more often, there’s been little news to tell.

“It is with regret that we will not reopen Porro on Wellfield Road.

“This has taken a lot of time and consideration – and certainly not a decision we have taken lightly.

“What with the reconstruction taking so long to finalise, we no longer feel the re-launching of the restaurant to be a wise business venture.”

The opening of Porro’s second restaurant was backed by Finance Wales.

The investment subsidiary of the Welsh Government agreed a six-figure debt deal to support the restaurant.

It was then run by Cerys and Tom Furlong and Gwyn Myring, who sold their interest in 2017.

“For those who have previously asked, we can confirm Finance Wales have been paid back in full and we are grateful for the support they offered during our infancy,” the statement added.

“We would also like to say a massive thank you to the locality of Roath and all the customers that supported us throughout. The property has been handed over and we will be supporting the new propreitor and their team as they take over the site.”

The restaurant’s branch on Llandaff High Street will remain open.