Bexhill cafe owners heartbroken after devastating fire
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
Caffe Martini’s kitchen was completely destroyed by the supposed electrical fire at around 12.30am but luckily it did not spread too far.
Nonetheless, owners Danielle and Nino Martinaj have been left with a massive clean-up job and are waiting for the insurance company to visit to find out the extent of the damage.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe mother-of-three said they hope to get back on their feet as soon as possible but had no clue how long it will take.
“We’re just absolutely gutted, both the cafe and us,” she said.
“We were just starting to do quite well and becoming more popular.
“Obviously we want to get up and running again but we just don’t know how long it will take.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe couple were alerted to the fire after a neighbour knocked on their door on Windsor Road at around 1am.
Two East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service appliances from Bexhill were at the Terminus Road cafe with crews wearing breathing apparatus using two hose reels to tackle the fire.
Once the firefighters had left, Danielle realised the damage was worse than she expected.
“I think there’s quite a bit of work to be done but the restaurant area is mainly smoke and water damage,” she said.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“Whatever we do everything needs to be gutted because of the damage.
“The walls need redecorating and to be stripped back.”
Fortunately they also run the Dazzle Car Wash so they still have some income, but the amount they have spent on the cafe makes it no easier to take.
“It’s devastating especially as we’ve not even been open a year yet,” she said.
“We’ve ploughed everything into this and it’s heartbreaking for us.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“We’ve taken it from what it was before to something completely different and spent a lot of money on it.”
The support from the community since the fire has overwhelmed the pair.
Danielle said she has been inundated with messages of support and offers to help from lots of people online, both friends and strangers.
She thanked everyone for their solidarity and hoped they would come to their aid when the time comes.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdDon’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.
Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.
1) Make our website your homepage at www.bexhillobserver.net/
2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bexhillobserver
3) Follow us on Twitter @BexhillObs
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.
And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!
The Bexhill Observer - always the first with your local news.
Be part of it.