AN iconic Largs café is hoping that a £50,000 lockdown renovation can be the key to success after reopening.

Café Renard, in Tron Place, was closed for 42 weeks during 2020 and used the time to carry out a programme of works to transform the business.

Manager Sharon Weir, pictured, who has run the popular eatery for eight years, says the timing was perfect to complete the job.

She said: “We stripped the cafe right back to the bare walls and did a complete refurbishment throughout the first and second lockdowns.

“We had been planning it for a number of years, but with no customers and the place locked up, it was the perfect time.

“All the décor has been totally revamped, we renewed most of our furniture and we’ve put in new flooring and a whole new bar area.”

Sharon says it is fantastic to be back open and welcoming regular customers and tourists again after a tough time.

She said: “We’ve had a steady build up of visitors but it has not been too busy yet.

“The locals are back but the arrival of visitors in Largs is all weather dependent, as it everything in the town.

“We were closed for 42 weeks, so it is really nice to be back and to see Largs with a buzz about the place again.

“We also enjoyed seeing all of our customers again after so long.”

Marshona Pendrill, who owns the café alongside Bosun’s Table at Largs Yacht Haven, believes the renovation had made a huge difference.

She said: “During the last lockdown, we decided to do it up and it looks fabulous now compared to what it was.

“You can see where we have spent the money. My favourite thing is the beautiful cream marble counter which we've installed. It is really eye-catching.

“I don’t think people realise it has been done up because it looks the same from the outside, but when you come inside, it’s all new.”