Bewley's Grafton Street cafe theatre back in action

Six months after it closed, Bewley's Grafton Street Cafe takes another step towards full reopening today when its theatre returns to action.

The Dublin landmark began a phased comeback last week when a branch of the restaurant chain Cafe Bar Deli started operations, along with a separate fish restaurant, Mackerel.

Today at 1pm, Bewley's Cafe Theatre reopens with a specially commissioned show, while Bewley's Cafe itself - now occupying only part of the premises - will open for breakfast from 8am tomorrow.

Cafe Bar Deli - a Mediterranean-style restaurant with beer and wine licence, which is also in George's Street and Ranelagh - will occupy the famous Harry Clarke Room and the first floor, and operate between noon and 11pm daily.

Bewley's Cafe will be based in the front of the shop and mezzanine, expanding into the Harry Clarke Room during breakfast hours (8-11am), and thereafter serving teas, coffees and pastries.

Mackerel, an "intimate" restaurant seating about 50 people, occupies the second floor, where the theatre will again be based.

Today's show - Coming Up Roses - is presented by Finnish theatre group Rakastajat, which was originally invited a year ago, before the closure was announced.

The theatre will also host jazz evenings from Thursday onwards.

The Save Bewley's Campaign has welcomed the reopening.

However, last night a spokesman said the campaign would continue, with a view to preserving the cafe's long-term future and preventing part of the Westmoreland Street branch being turned into a cocktail bar and hotel reception.