Fire-hit city cafe is back in business

Meals are being served up again at a family-run Wolverhampton cafe that was forced to close after being badly damaged in an arson attack.

The Penguin Cafe, in Wednesfield, was badly damaged in the blaze, which started in an accountancy firm above the cafe.

But now, after more than eight weeks of repairs, the Lichfield Road hub is back in business.

Owner Diana Jones told of how orders had already started flooding back in and many regulars had popped in to show their support.

She said: "We're so pleased to be open again after eight weeks. We want the customers to come back and see us.

"The cafe reopened yesterday and we've already had orders. A lot of familiar faces have come back in to see us, which is nice."

The ceiling of the cafe was badly damaged in the fire, while freezers full of food were also destroyed.

Mrs Jones, 68, runs the cafe with members of her family including husband Mick and son Wayne.

She said: "It does look different inside now as we've had the ceilings done, opened it up more and had new lighting.

"We're just so pleased to be back in business again."

The cafe was well-known for delivering food to industrial estates across Wolverhampton as well as preparing buffets for business lunches.

It will continue to offer this service.

The entire parade of shops in Lichfield Road was forced to close on July 24, following the arson attack and leaving traders counting the costs.

The fire broke out at Silver & Co accountancy firm based on the first storey of the complex but spread downstairs to the cafe.

Smoke also billowed out to the other businesses.

Most of these, including Portland Opticians and Elegant Frames, reopened soon after.

Mrs Jones and other staff were cooking in the cafe at the time of the blaze.

Crews from Fallings Park were called after 7am and police were called to investigate.

No-one has ever been arrested.

Mrs Jones and other staff met face-to-face with people who had already placed orders for food or functions prior to the blaze.

They wanted to explain in person what had happened. Mrs Jones has run the cafe for eight years.

The cost of the repairs is to be covered by the landlord's insurance.