Laois café reopening four years after fire caused it to close down

A Laois coffee shop is about to reopen, after a serious fire caused it to shut down four years ago. 

In the latest positive business news for Mountmellick following the planning approval of a Lidl store last week, the proprietors of what was The Coffee Pot have announced they will reopen with a new name.

The once busy daytime restaurant is in Davitt shopping centre, next to SuperValu, the Post Office and the town's two biggest primary schools, and had been a favourite stop for school parents and shoppers.

It had to close down in August 2022 following a fire, with fire crews from Mountmellick and Portarlington working for three hours to extinguish it.

Last January, the first sign of new life for The Coffee Pot came when applicant Daniel O'Riordan received planning approval from Laois County Council to renovate and make alterations to the facades with new windows and doorways.

Now renamed, Bite and Brew café has confirmed to the Leinster Express / Laois Live that they plan to open in July or August.

They have just publically announced the start of work ahead of their reopening on socials. 

"Exciting news update. After being closed for the past few years we're delighted to share that work has now officially commenced on bringing the café back to life - this time under a new name: Bite & Brew.

"Many people will remember The Coffee Pot, and while the name is changing, the aim is simple - to create a welcoming spot for great coffee, good food, and a relaxed place to meet and enjoy.

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"It's been a while since the doors were last open, so we're really looking forward to seeing some familiar faces again and welcoming plenty of new ones too.

"We'll be sharing updates as the work progresses and can't wait to open the doors to Bite & Brew soon," the business says.