An Oxford restaurant has temporarily closed for a major interior refurbishment.

Heat African Bar and Restaurant in Cowley Road has been serving a variety of African dishes and drinks since February 2020 but closed earlier this month.

The hotspot has had builders in for several weeks, completely renovating the inside of the business including the bar, kitchen and seating area.

Restaurant owners Mohammed Bello and Kevin Dalton decided to make the renovations after four years of the venue.

“The restaurant is temporarily closed for refurbishments,” said Mr Bello.

thisisoxfordshire: Work taking place inside Work taking place inside (Image: Newsquest)“We intend to revamp the restaurant into a contemporary African seafood and grilled house with unique Afro high-end cocktails.

“We are increasing the size of the kitchen and bringing in more kitchen equipment to ensure efficient, quality, and consistent service.

thisisoxfordshire: The venue is on Cowley Road.“The restaurant will operate on bookings only but we will only accommodate walk-ins if we have available tables.”

There will be changes to the menu at Heat as a result of the revamp while the nightlife events will also alter.

thisisoxfordshire: The bar is being altered The bar is being altered (Image: Newsquest)“We will be serving seafood and grilled dishes infused with African spices all night until 1am,” added Mr Bello.

“There will also be light Afrobeats entertainment provided and unique afro high-end cocktails to our dinners.”

“We intend to open as soon as possible.”

No date has yet been set for the venue’s grand reopening after three weeks of major renovations so far.