Huge blaze engulfs new marina restaurant in building owned by ex-Cardiff City star Craig Bellamy

Firefighters battled a fire at a restaurant building owned by a footballer just weeks after it reopened following lockdown.

The Deck bar and grill on Penarth Marina, near Cardiff, went up in flames on Friday night.

The restaurant, once called Pier 64, was run by former Wales, Newcastle, Liverpool and Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy who bought it for £1.3m six years ago.

Firefighters battled the blaze The Deck restaurant, pictured, on Penarth Marina, near Cardiff, which went up in flames on Friday night

The restaurant building is owned by former Wales, Newcastle, Liverpool and Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy, pictured, and leased to The Deck

The high-end restaurant only opened two weeks ago on August 7 after coming under new management

Diners and staff were evacuated from the waterside eatery which is covered by wooden shuttering.

The high-end restaurant only opened two weeks ago on August 7 after Pier 64 closed in January 2019 making 21 staff redundant.

Bellamy's restaurant venture struggled and went into liquidation - but the Welshman still owns the building and leased it out to The Deck.

Firefighters spent two hours tackling the inferno but confirmed there had been no casualties.

The restaurant, once called Pier 64, pictured, went into liquidation and closed in January 2019 making 21 staff redundant

Diners and staff were evacuated from the waterside eatery which is covered by wooden shuttering

The extent of the damage caused by the fire is still unknown.

Stephen Doughty, MP for Cardiff South and Penarth said: 'Just been down to speak to and thank police - fire out and all accounted for safely.

'Huge thanks to South Wales Fire and Rescue for swift response.

'Very sorry sight - but glad to be told no casualties.'

The Deck opened two weeks ago under new owners offering 'exquisite food and fine wines' at the waterside venue.

Firefighters spent two hours tackling the inferno at the marina restaurant but confirmed there had been no casualties