A bar and restaurant is to remain closed “for the foreseeable future” after suffering “significant” damage in a blaze.
Firefighters were called to The Court Yard in Sondes Road, Deal, shortly before 6am.
Three fire engines attended and crews wearing breathing apparatus used hose reel jets to extinguish the flames by 7.35am.
Bosses say although no one was hurt, they anticipate the site will be shut throughout January while assessments, investigations and repairs take place.
“This is obviously a huge shock for all of us, but our immediate priority is the safety and well-being of our staff,” they said in a statement.
“We are working closely with the relevant authorities and our insurers and will keep you updated as we learn more.
“We would like to sincerely thank the emergency services for their swift response, and we’re incredibly grateful for the messages of support already received.
“Thank you for your understanding and continued support.”
The business – which has room for 90 diners in its restaurant – will be contacting customers with bookings “in due course”.
The cause of the fire is not known.
