PUNE: It's been a three-year wait, but finally German Bakery - the landmark eatery in Koregaon Park - has partly reopened. The bakery which was a popular hang-out for youths was destroyed in the blast on February 13, 2010.

Snehal Kharose, owner of the eatery, said that the bakery was unofficially opened for customers three days ago, but they were planning for an official opening in a fortnight. Kharose assured that the menu will remain the same.

Kharose said, "We are reopening after almost three years but I can assure you that although the look has undergone a change, the taste will not change."

The different breads served by the bakery were a favourite among many. Besides, it was also known for its mouthwatering Danish pastries , ingenuous chocolate cake, avocado roll, feta cheese sandwich and not to forget the quintessential masala chai and omelettes.

Kharose said that the bakery has already been receiving some customers. "It is not as busy at it used to be as we still have to introduce the full menu. We have started with breads and pastries. We are planning for a grand reopening once we have the entire menu."

The owners, however, have been able to retain only three of the original staff members. "We have hired several others from the city and will now have a staff of about 20," she said.

Besides having a regular sit-out, the eatery now has an additional floor. "We have extended it vertically and will put up some tables on the extended space," Kharose said. The spot where the blast took place has been kept vacant. No tables have been arranged in that area.

The interiors have been changed to wooden furniture while the walls have been decorated with brick-work. Kharose said that almost Rs 45 lakh have been spent on restructuring the eatery, of which Rs 15 lakh was given as compensation by the state government.

