Waitrose store reopens two months after major fire

A Waitrose store has reopened after it was seriously damaged by a fire nearly two months ago.

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service was called at about 03:45 BST on 16 June to reports of a warehouse fire at the supermarket in Nevill Road, Hove.

The fire service said that 10 fire appliances attended at the height of the incident.

"We've been working incredibly hard to get the shop patched up as quickly as possible so we can welcome back our customers," Waitrose branch manager Nick Mort said.

Mort added: "I'm proud of all colleagues, some of whom have worked in this building for more than 30 years, who have been helping wherever they can."

The supermarket's spokesperson said that following the closure of the Hove branch, which was shut for more than five weeks, staff at neighbouring Waitrose stores had helped maintain online deliveries by taking on extra orders and supporting distribution operations.

They added that a temporary warehouse had been constructed to allow the store to serve customers while the final repairs continue.

However, the counters, cafe and toilets will remain closed for the time being, Waitrose added.

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