Fire-hit nightclub will take months to reopen

Jul 2 2009 By Vicki Eltis

A popular Weybridge night spot Noir Bar could be closed for months following a devastating fire kitchen on Tuesday, say loss assessors.

The nightclub in Heath Road, had only recently been refurbished and relaunched when the fire struck at 7pm.

The roof on the right-hand side of the building is completely gutted, along with the kitchen and hall way area. The main dance floor area and downstairs has smoke and water damage.

Surrey Fire Rescue Service announced on Wednesday (July 1) that the fire, which started in the kitchen, is thought to have been accidental. Although they are still working on a report, and have taken away the club's CCTV footage to examine.

Manager Barny Howe, was on a rare night off in Ascot when it happened. He said: "As soon as I heard I jumped in a taxi and arrived 20 minutes after the fire brigade. Initially I was in shock and then I was relieved that all the staff and customers had been evacuated safely."

Loss Assessors, Thompson & Bryan, examined the extent of the fire today. A spokesman said: "We cannot give an exact time frame yet as it is in the hands of the insurance company, however we are talking months as opposed to weeks."

It is not known as yet how much it will cost to refurbish and what kind of money the club would be losing while it stays closed.

Mr Howe, has worked in the club industry for 15 years and said it was the first time a fire had damaged one of his clubs.

He added: "The company directors will endeavour to get the building and refurbishment work completed as soon as possible. However, a time scale is unavailable to us at present until we've heard back from the insurance company. Due to fire regulations and recently upgraded measures the rest of the club was saved."

Special flame-proof, fabric draping, which hangs from the ceiling above the main dance floor, he says, probably saved the rest of the club.

Paul Benewith, (also known as DJ Pablo) and marketing director at the club, was holding his Touch Business Networking event, which is held every Tuesday, at the time of the fire.

After seeing the affects of the fire on Thursday he said: "I was there when it happened and I was devastated and shocked.

"But words cannot really explain what I have seen today. It has driven home how bad and intense that fire was. Although the main dance area wasn't as badly affected it is a large room and to see the plastic grills on the air-conditioning unit melted like hot wax, it must have been so hot.

"I've been a part of the club for six years and have seen it turn from a restaurant, to Abaya and then to Noir Bar. What I saw today was absolutely shocking. I know it's a cliche but it is like a bomb has hit it."

Mr Benewith will be blogging the process of the refurbishment on www.noirbar.co.uk.