ONE OF Dublin's landmark businesses has reopened after being saved from permanent closure.
In May, Bewley's Café on Grafton street announced that it would be closing its doors for good, with the loss of 110 jobs.
After being forced to close temporarily in March due to the coronavirus pandemic, the lack of business over two months meant the café could not afford the annual €1.5 million lease on the building.
However the dispute with the landlord, property developer Johnny Logan's Ronan Group Real Estate, has been settled, and Bewley's confirmed they would pay all the rent owed, including arrears, in order to allow the historic café to continue serving customers.
Yesterday, Bewley's Café served its first customers in five months, with 22 staff members working on the first floor as part of the first phase of the staggered reopening.
We’re delighted to reopen our doors and welcome you back to #bewleyscafe. We have new measures in place to make sure your visit is as safe as it is relaxing. We look forward to seeing you soon. pic.twitter.com/Pj22mw5yKt
— Bewley's Café Grafton Street (@bewleyscafe) August 27, 2020
All of the rooms will eventually reopen, but the capacity for the number of customers has been reduced from 400 to 200.
Despite the new restrictions and the high cost of reopening, owner Paddy Campbell said it is worth it "to live our values, preserve our heritage, and keep this beautiful Café open in the beating heart of Dublin."
The 78-year-old welcomed back customers with an emotional but proud letter on the door to the iconic building, addressing it to "Bewley's lovers".
The announcement that the landmark café would permanently close was a huge blow for the city"Like many of you, lockdown gave me a lot of time to think and reflect on what's precious in this life," he wrote.
"I'm 78 years old, born and bred in inner-city Dublin.
"I've lived through many recessions and recoveries and seen Ireland grow and change, for the good and for the not-so-good.
"And what emerged from my turmoil was the determination that this recovery from Covid should be culture and values-led.
"I'm so proud of the contribution that our beloved Bewley's Café has made to the life of our city and country- as a gatherings place, a crucible for the arts, a second home. As an icon an a beacon.
"We've lost to much that was unique and authentic to our community and we are all poorer for it. This time, the economic recovery cannot be the sole focus as we rebuild ourselves.
"And so we will pay the heavy price... to live our values, preserve our heritage, and keep this beautiful Café open in the beating heart of Dublin
"Welcome back!"
