‘I don’t know how to start again’: Devastation as much-loved café burned out in fire

Manchester: A beloved café in Harpurhey has been left in ruins after a fire tore through it. The owner, Thuy Nguyen, is heartbroken and struggling to cope.

The fire broke out on a Sunday afternoon, and the café was closed at the time. Thuy rushed to the scene after hearing from a nearby shop worker about the blaze.

When she arrived, thick black smoke was pouring out, and firefighters were already battling the flames. They wouldn’t let her in at first because it was too dangerous.

Once the fire was under control, Thuy was allowed inside, and what she saw was devastating. The kitchen was wrecked, and everything was covered in soot.

“I didn’t think it would be this bad,” she said, feeling overwhelmed. “I hoped it would be something small, but it’s a total disaster.”

She believes the fire started due to an electrical fault, possibly from a fridge. Now, she’s worried about the costs of repairs and whether she can reopen.

“We’ll try to get back up and running, but it all depends on the damage,” she explained. “If it’s too expensive, we might not be able to.”

Thuy has put her heart and soul into this café, which she took over just last year. It’s more than just a place to eat; it’s a community hub where people come together.

As she put up a notice on the café’s shutters, loyal customers came by to offer their support. One regular, Bernadette, was in tears, saying she couldn’t believe what had happened.

“This place is special,” she said. “Everyone knows each other here. It’s the heart of the community.”

Local councillor Pat Karney has reached out to see how the council can help Thuy get her café back on its feet. “This is a huge loss for Harpurhey,” he said.