A FORMER Indian restaurant in Penarth that has lain empty for two years has been given a new lease of life.

The old Jaflon restaurant in Albert Road was closed after a fire in the kitchen in 2016.

Now, it has been reopened as a cafe, under the management of Penarth locals Rebecca MacFarlane and Debby.

The cafe officially threw open its doors to the public on Sunday, November 24.

Mrs MacFarlane said: “Deco - named after the Art deco building - is owned by us both.

“We have been in the catering business off and on for more than 30 years.

“After finishing a short summer lease at The Beach House on Penarth seafront over a year ago, we set about searching for new premises, and came across the beautiful Art Deco building at 41 Albert Road.

“We immediately decided to set up a new venture together and bring this building, that has been empty for more than two years, back to life.

“It took over 10 months for us to secure the lease from the Post Office, who still own the building, and the interior needed a mammoth clean and total redecoration after previously being an Indian restaurant.

“We sourced all of our furniture from local people, saving beautiful chairs and sofas from landfill and reupholstered them ourselves.

“The aim of the redecoration is to have a warm, comfy inviting space which quite a few people have described as homely.”

Wifi is available for customers, and all food is cooked on the premises.

Ingredients are sourced from local suppliers, including Lush the Butchers.

Mrs MacFarlane said: “We have a wide range of foods on offer from homemade soup and quiches to the baked fresh everyday cakes.

“There is an extensive vegan menu, with plenty of gluten-free options - as people need to be able to eat out together regardless of dietary requirements.”

Examples of the food on offer include traditional staples like Welsh Rarebit and toasted sourdough bread, to full vegan breakfasts and tartlets, veggie salad bowls, flapjacks, sandwiches and scones, all served with fresh coffee and tea.

Deco is fully licensed and is open 9am to 6pm from Monday to Saturday.

On Friday and Saturday, opening hours will extend into the evening when Deco will become a wine and gin bar.

On Sunday, a roast lunch will be served, catering for both meat-eaters and vegans.

Tables for Sunday need to be booked in advance on 02921 321 540, with residents asked to call call Deco for further details.

The cafe does not yet have a website or a social media page.

Afternoon teas are served daily with specific gluten-free and vegan options available.