PLANS to turn a popular Belfast nightspot in a Cuban-themed bar and restaurant are close to completion.
Café Vaudeville, which has been situated on Arthur Street since 2014, was put on the market in June for £3.5m.
It has been reported that owners are currently in advanced talks with England’s Revolution Bars Group to purchase the location for around £2.5m.
It is understood that the group are set to open the venue under its ‘Revolucion de Cuba’ brand.
According to its website, Revolucion bars feature "1940s Cuban-inspired style, with dark woods, traditional bar counters, antique tiles, vintage furniture, Havana-style ceiling fans and original Cuban artwork and photographs".
Industry website Caterer.com recently listed an open advertisement for a Revolucion de Cuba general manager position in Northern Ireland, fuelling speculation a deal was imminent.
Colin Neill, chief executive of Hospitality Ulster, said the prospective deal shows that Northern Ireland is still attractive to investors.
"The news is very positive in the sense that it shows people want to invest in our industry," he said.
"However, while it is disappointing that the venue won’t be locally owned, it will be a fantastic asset for the city of Belfast. But there are still challenges in the pub industry and small, family owned pubs in particular are struggling."
Revolution Bars Group have been operating since 1996 and currently have six Revolucion de Cuba venues across the UK.
