Opening date revealed for fire-hit restaurant

The Court Yard in Deal, a restaurant that burned on New Year's Day, has announced plans to reopen this summer after months of repair work. Owner Jason Herring said the reopening could occur on Wednesday, July 1, with the booking system back online. Firefighters were called just before 6am on January 1, deploying three engines and bringing the blaze under control by 7:35am. Investigators believe an electrical fault in a tumble dryer started the fire, which caused significant damage to a storage area near the kitchen.

Mr. Herring said the rebuild has been costly but essential to restore the business and its community role, with staff, suppliers and locals providing crucial support. The reopening will feature regular live music on Fridays and Sundays, and the restaurant can accommodate 90 guests with the booking system reactivated, signaling a return to normal operations in the summer. Firefighters responded with three engines, and authorities credit the quick actions of the team for limiting the spread.