One of Swansea's most iconic eateries is bringing back its legendary sit-down fry-ups with the return of indoor seating. Tables are said to be back by popular demand after the business previously said it was transitioning into a takeaway venue.
Uncertainty faced Uplands Diner after it was put up for sale, but now the venue has announced new plans for the future and hopes to be stronger then ever. With an adjusted seating capacity, different operating hours, and a new menu alongside the iconic takeaways, Uplands Diner will also operate as an ice cream parlour in the evenings.
The venue teased the return of indoor seating after receiving hundreds of messages enquiring about the dining-in option after it stopped. It had previously turned into a takeaway-only set up after owner Lance Pardoe opted to take a step back from the business to focus on his health, and after he revealed how he had tragically lost two brothers within the space of three months. You can get more Swansea news and other story updates by subscribing to our newsletters here.
Read more: The story of Wales' most famous ice cream - and the Joe that gave it its name
Describing the relationship between Uplands Diner and its owners as a "marriage", Lance admitted they couldn't take a step back as demand was higher than ever and they had been bombarded with messages of love and support, with 200 messages in a single day enquiring about whether they would be returning to indoor seating.
The venue is still currently up for sale, but Lance acknowledged the circumstances behind those purchasing the operation would have to match their criteria before they said goodbye permanently. "We have had four offers which were all good but they weren't matching our criteria. This is a local place, operated by local people and adored by local people - we want that to continue, with all the current staff. We would only consider taking a step back then but most offers still wanted us as the face of the business," said Lance.
"It's like a marriage, after 30 years it's just had a pull on us and we've wanted what's best so we had to think twice about stepping away." You can read more stories about Uplands here.
Uplands Diner is bringing in alterations to its current menu, with local produce and premium breakfast options. The takeaway menu will remain the same. Operating at a lower capacity of 58 seats, indoor seating will return along with new décor and operating hours to more effectively manage the popular demand. In the evening, the venue will operate as an ice cream destination in partnership with GG's Ice Cream.
"We had a test run the past two weeks and would have queues with two-hour waits, the demand is great and we're extremely grateful and look to give back after the uncertainty" said Lance. Read here about how a trendy Uplands bar made jazz music a permanent Monday fixture in Uplands.
The premises is paying special thanks to its loyal fans at its official re-opening on Monday June 20, by offering buy one get one free offers on breakfasts as a thankyou, with special invitations issued to those who had messaged enquiring about its re-opening.
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