A devastating fire raged through the night at the beloved Alice Park Café in Bath this past weekend, causing significant damage estimated at nearly £9,500. CCTV footage captured the flames erupting around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 23, with the fire persisting for several hours before being reported.
By 7 a.m., a dog walker noticed the blaze fully engulfing the wooden café and promptly alerted the fire brigade. Thanks to the swift response, the fire was extinguished, but the damage to the structure remains extensive.
In a statement, a café representative described the incident as a “lucky escape,” emphasizing the risk due to the café’s predominantly wooden construction. “It could have been so, so much worse,” they said. Remarkably, despite the damage, Alice Park Café has already reopened, welcoming visitors daily from 9:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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While the official cause of the fire is still under investigation, the café’s team suspects that the blaze was sparked by a disposable BBQ used during a birthday party. Local residents have also reported suspicious activity involving teens lighting small fires nearby, raising concerns about potential arson amidst dry weather conditions.
In response to the incident, a devoted patron named Ciaran—who has enjoyed two decades visiting the café with his wife—has launched a fundraiser on GoFundMe to support the repair efforts. Having already raised £1,000 from generous donors, Ciaran expressed his affection for the café’s welcoming atmosphere and vegetarian-friendly menu.
The Alice Park Café community continues to rally together, eager to see the café fully restored and thriving once again.