A bride-to-be who has already had to reschedule her wedding three times says she almost 'burst into tears' when she saw the dream venue she had booked for her reception destroyed by fire.

As soon as they got engaged in August 2019, Katie Underwood and Lewis Beech from Park Wood started making arrangements for their big day.

Because of Covid-19 the pair, who have been together for six years, have already faced several setbacks and venue changes before finally booking their dream reception in Mu Mu.

But yesterday, just three weeks before their wedding day, the venue in Week Street was gutted by a blaze which broke out at 2.30am.

At its height, 15 fire engines and approximately 60 firefighters were on the scene, with an extensive cordon placed around the area.

Miss Underwood says when she saw the news while getting ready for work yesterday morning she "just couldn't believe it".

The 31-year-old said: "This has put us back to square one.

"I don't know whether to hold back the tears or laugh. I don't find the situation funny but I just don't know what to do.

"We have three weeks to try and fund, and plan everything again."

Mr Beech added: "I was driving home from work last night and I could smell smoke through town but I didn't realise what it was until I got home and saw the videos.

"We finally found a venue that we really liked and now here we are."

After plans at their first reception venue fell through, they were drawn to Mu Mu for its unique aesthetics and relaxing atmosphere and had booked to celebrate with friends and family in the Hoochie Coochie Lounge.

Despite the setback, Katie and Lewis say they still hope to have the ceremony at Archbishops Palace on August 6 as planned, but may have to celebrate the reception another day if they can't find a new location.

Shocking drone images revealed the extensive damage caused to the roof.

No one was injured in the blaze and an investigation will be launched into the cause of the fire.

Owner Ciaran O'Quigley yesterday spoke of his devastation after helplessly watching the business he'd spent 29 years building burn down.

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