The opening date has been pushed back for new Pontcanna-based restaurant Poca, which is being launched by renowned Cardiff chef Antonio Simone who heads up Alium in Barry. Poca was set to open its doors on Thursday, June 29, in the former site of the much loved La Cuina, but that's now been postponed over a safety issue.
The team at the small plates restaurant has been gearing up for months for the grand reveal on Thursday, June 29 but on the eve of the opening it was announced that a problem with the gas supply has put the plans on hold. A new opening date has not yet been announced.
Taking to its social media channels as well as emailing customers who had booked in with them, Poca wrote: "First and foremost, we would like to take the opportunity to thank you for the support in booking a table at Poca.
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"As you can imagine starting a restaurant up, especially in this climate, is a huge task and over the last few days we have been showered with umpteen issues which we have overcome to meet our deadline for opening day. Sadly, we have had encountered the straw that broke the camel's back. A large issue with the gas supply was identified and it's literally unsafe to open as it stands.
"So, we have with a heavy heart taken the difficult decision to postpone our opening date. Thus, allowing us to address the problem at hand and make sure the restaurant is safe and ready for service."
Acknowledging its customer base, Poca added: "We understand some special occasions may have been planned, so we have allocated some space at; Alium, Barry our sister restaurant, to accommodate any of the bookings we had."
Since posting this message, supporters of the chef and his other culinary ventures - Alium in Barry and The Humble Onion in Dinas Powys - sent their support to the restaurant.
One wrote: "Sounds like the right decision, sure it’ll be worth the wait," while another said: "These things happen - if Alium is anything to go on it will be worth the wait. So glad you to have you guys on our doorstep."
Poca is due to open at 11 Kings Road, Pontcanna, Cardiff, CF11 9BZ.
