A POPULAR restaurant in a medieval Somerset village has provided a positive update on reopening nearly a year after a devastating fire forced it to close.
Reeves Restaurant was badly affected after an electrical fire broke out in the early hours of September 5 last year. The blaze, believed to have started in a tumble dryer, prompted a major response from fire crews from Taunton, Minehead and Williton.
Now, 11 months on from the incident, the family has shared a positive update as restoration work enters its final stages.
In a post on social media, the owners said the reopening of the restaurant is finally beginning to feel "tangible" after months of rebuilding and planning.
They said: "Eleven months to the day of our disastrous fire, the reopening of the restaurant is beginning to finally feel tangible.
"Although there is still so much to do, everyone is pulling out all the stops to meet the target deadline."
The family revealed that scaffolding has now been removed from both inside and outside the building, marking a significant milestone in the project.
Work has continued at pace, with insulation and stud wall frames installed and preparations underway for new flooring in both the kitchen and restaurant.
The owners said they are expecting a new kitchen floor to be fitted next week, while the restaurant floor is also due to be sanded and stained as the refurbishment progresses.
Despite the challenges of the past year, the family said the closure has also allowed them to spend more time together than ever before.
"As a family, we have been able to enjoy the children being off school with no time limits and deadlines of having to be back by 2pm," they said.
The owners added that they had been able to attend family events, spend time with friends and reconnect with loyal customers who have continued to support them throughout the recovery.
They also paid tribute to the generosity shown by the local community during the restaurant's closure.
"We have been overwhelmed yet again with the generosity shown. Thank you."
Dunster's Reeves Restaurant targets September reopening after fire
While a firm reopening date has not yet been confirmed, Reeves Restaurant is hoping to welcome customers back through its doors in mid-September.
The family said: "Although we cannot share a definite opening date, we are anticipating being able to open our doors once again mid September.
"As soon as we have a definite date, we will make this known."
Ending their update on a hopeful note, the owners encouraged people to enjoy the remainder of the summer while looking forward to the restaurant's return.
The announcement is likely to be welcomed by many residents and visitors who have followed the business's recovery since the fire nearly a year ago.
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