The Black Lamb: Southport cafe reopens after arson attack, offender remains outstanding

Less than a fortnight after being significantly damaged in an arson attack, a Southport cafe has returned to service, as police share new information about the case.

The Black Lamb sustained significant damage to its exterior in the January 28, 2025 arson attack. Picture: Glenn Hampson

A Southport cafe gutted last month by an arson attack has reopened, as police continue to hunt the person responsible.

The Black Lamb, located in the ground floor tenancy of Nerang Street’s Pacific Private Hospital, suffered significant damage after an unknown man lit it up at about 1am Tuesday, January 28.

The offender was captured on City of Gold Coast CCTV cameras.

Speaking on the morning of the incident, Gold Coast Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon said the cafe had “exploded in fire” as a result of the attack, the motive for which was unknown.

“We’re trying to determine the identity of the person and trying to ascertain who they are and why they did it,” he said.

One line of inquiry was that it could have been the work of a disgruntled patient or staffer of the hospital, Superintendent Hanlon said.

Workmen assessing the damage to the Black Lamb the morning of the arson attack. Picture: Glenn Hampson

While Superintendent Hanlon originally stated police believed the cafe had been doused in accelerant, a Queensland Police Service spokesman told this masthead investigators now believe that to be incorrect.

“The suspect has entered the front patio area of the business address and crouched next to a stack of chairs and set fire to them causing the whole area to erupt into flames, including the structure of the patio area, blinds and front of the business/building,” the spokesman said.

He confirmed the offender was still on the run.

“[There have been] no arrests or charges at this time,” a spokesman said.

“Investigations are continuing.”

The Black Lamb reopened on Monday, with husband-and-wife owners Jyoti Gusain and Sumit Bisht, who only purchased the cafe in mid 2024 from its previous owners, taking to social media to advise of their business’ return from the dead.

The Black Lamb cafe owners Sumit Bisht and Jyoti Gusain. Picture: Facebook

“After an unfortunate incident we are fully operating from tomorrow [Monday],” the owners said.

“Thanks for your support during this tough time we look forward to welcome [sic] you all.”

Mr Bisht has been contacted for comment.