Fire-damaged Brighton restaurant closed until January

A Brighton restaurant that was damaged by fire last month will stay closed over Christmas and reopen in the new year.

The fire was in the kitchen at Terre à Terre, in East Street, Brighton, and left the owners having to order a complete refit.

One of the co-owners, Philip Taylor, said: “We are incredibly disappointed and sad that we will not be open for Christmas.

“It’s a first for us and for this reason we are giving our customers as much notice as possible to ensure that they can make alternative arrangements.

“We are channelling all our energy into the kitchen renovation and look forward to welcoming our customers back in 2013.”

A combination of “red tape delays” and long waiting times for new equipment has put paid to the original hope of reopening before Christmas.

Olivia Reid, the vegetarian restaurant’s marketing and communications manager, said that it had “managed to keep all staff during this period and are deeply grateful for their commitment and understanding”.

She added: “The Terre à Terre team will enjoy Christmas and new year off, a rarity in the hospitality business but one they will cherish before the hectic return to a new kitchen and menu development.”