The owners of a seaside bar and restaurant are beginning the long process of rebuilding their business after it was damaged by fire.

A large part of a ground floor kitchen at The Minnis at Minnis Bay was destroyed early on Wednesday (February 18) but fire fighters managed to stop the flames from spreading.

Carly Freedman, who owns The Minnis with her husband Jason, said: ”We are shocked but we are getting to grips with the situation and are planning what to do in the coming weeks.

“We expect the bar area, which is smoke-damaged, will be open first and then we will bring in a mobile kitchen so we can serve food.

“It will take time to sort out our kitchen which is in a real mess. As far as we can make out, the blaze started by the cold rooms.”

The alarm was raised by PC Mark Rigden who was on patrol in the area. Mrs Freedman said: “Mark is a family friend and he spotted the smoke coming from the building, immediately contacted the fire service and then alerted us. Without his swift actions, the damage could have been far worse. If the flames had really taken hold we could have lost the lot.”

Fire crews from Westgate-on-Sea, Margate and Thanet (Westwood) stations were called to the business in Hengist Road at around 12.30am.

The fire was extinguished just before 2am, although crews continued to damp down and look for potential ‘hot spots’ at the scene for some time.

Kent Police were also called to the restaurant but a spokesperson confirmed the fire is not being treated as suspicious.

For the full story, see the Thanet Extra, out on Wednesday February 25. Don’t get one delivered? Buy a copy at your local newsagents, or pick one up for free at the Tesco and Sainsbury superstores at Westwood, or at Asda in Broadstairs